Bandi Sanjay Defends Son in POCSO Case, Alleges Political Conspiracy

The arrest of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son in a high-profile POCSO case has intensified political tensions in Telangana, with the senior BJP leader alleging a coordinated campaign to malign him and his party.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Bandi Sanjay said he had personally instructed his son, Bandi Sai Bhagirath, to cooperate fully with the police investigation. Emphasising his faith in the judiciary, the Union Minister said the case was now before the courts and that the truth would eventually emerge through due legal process.

The case was registered following allegations made by the family of a 17-year-old girl , who accused Bhagirath of sexual assault and harassment. Based on the complaint, police booked him under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators later added more serious charges linked to aggravated assault, making the case more sensitive legally and politically.

Police arrested Bhagirath on May 16 after the Telangana High Court declined to grant him interim protection from arrest. Reports suggest investigators had formed multiple teams to trace him after he allegedly failed to appear before police despite notices being issued earlier.

Bandi Sanjay questioned whether any political leader had voluntarily handed over his own son for questioning in such a case. At the same time, he launched a sharp attack on K. T. Rama Rao, accusing him of operating a “ fake media factory ” to spread misinformation and politically target him.

The BJP leader also dismissed speculation about his removal from the Union Cabinet and rejected rumours that he was planning to launch a separate party. Reaffirming his loyalty to the BJP, he said there was “no question” of leaving the party despite the ongoing controversy.