Bhagirath Surrenders in POCSO Case Amid Counterclaims and Legal Battles

A major development unfolded in a POCSO case involving Bandi Sai Bhagirath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, after he surrendered before police on Saturday night. The surrender was carried out by a legal team led by a High Court advocate, following instructions from the Union Minister.

According to officials, Bhagirath was handed over to the Special Operations Team (SOT) of Cyberabad Police at around 8:10 pm , near a tech park in Hyderabad. His legal representatives stated that although they had initially planned a voluntary surrender, they moved a pre-arrest bail petition in the High Court on legal advice. However, after the hearing was adjourned, they proceeded with the surrender and maintained confidence that Bhagirath would ultimately be cleared of all charges.

In a parallel development, the case saw significant procedural progress when the statement of the minor survivor and her parents was recorded before a magistrate at the Medchal District Court . Police officials confirmed that the recording process lasted approximately 40 minutes .

The case has been registered at the Pet Basheerabad Police Station under Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Sections 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act , which deal with offences related to sexual harassment and protection of children from sexual offences.

Bhagirath has denied all charges, calling them a retaliatory action . He has further alleged that the complainant’s family demanded ₹5 crore , claiming they threatened that their daughter would be pushed to suicide if the amount was not paid. He also stated that he had earlier filed a complaint regarding the matter at the Karimnagar Town Police Station.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar has approached the City Civil Court, alleging that sections of the media, YouTube channels, and social media platforms were circulating false and defamatory content linking him and his family to the case. He has sought removal of such content and a restraint on further dissemination.

In a separate political reaction, BRS leader K. Kavitha has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that the Union Minister be removed from the Cabinet to ensure an impartial investigation.

At the same time, Bandi Sanjay has stated that if his son is found guilty after due process, he will accept the legal consequences.