Bandi Sanjay Files ₹1 Crore Defamation Suit Amid Son’s POCSO Case Row

In a major legal and political development, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has filed a ₹1 crore civil defamation suit in a Hyderabad court against 23 media organisations, YouTube channels, journalists and digital platforms, accusing them of running a coordinated smear campaign against him in connection with the POCSO case involving his son, Bandi Sai Bhageerath .

The case has sparked a wider debate over media trials, political targeting and digital misinformation , especially in sensitive criminal investigations involving public figures.

In his petition, Bandi Sanjay alleged that several Telugu news channels and online platforms deliberately attempted to portray him as being directly linked to the case, despite the fact that his name does not appear as an accused in any FIR. He argued that the reports, thumbnails, social media posts and video discussions were “false, misleading and defamatory,” damaging his political reputation and causing mental distress to his family.

Invoking Article 21 of the Constitution , which guarantees the right to live with dignity, the Union Minister sought immediate removal of the allegedly defamatory content and requested permanent restrictions on publishing similar material in the future.

According to the petition, the controversy began after a counter-case was registered against Bhageerath at Petbashirabad Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act . Bandi Sanjay’s legal team claimed that Bhageerath had earlier filed a complaint in Karimnagar alleging blackmail by the family of a minor girl known to him, and that the later POCSO case emerged as a retaliatory complaint.

The issue has also turned politically volatile in Telangana. Leaders from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) accused the BJP of trying to influence the investigation, while BJP leaders dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks aimed at tarnishing the party’s image.

Meanwhile, Bhageerath remains under judicial remand until May 29. Police have sought three days of custody for further questioning, while his lawyers opposed unrestricted interrogation and sought safeguards including limited questioning hours and medical examinations. The court is expected to deliver its order on the custody plea on May 26.