Union Minister’s Son Arrested in Telangana Under Pocso Act Amid Controversial Allegations

In a shocking turn of events, Bandi Bhageerath, son of a Union minister, surrendered to the police in Telangana on Saturday evening. His decision to turn himself in came shortly after the High Court denied him interim relief from arrest in connection with a case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The incident highlights the complex interplay of power, privilege, and justice in contemporary India.

Bhageerath was apprehended in Narsingi, a suburb near Hyderabad, and subsequently taken to the Pet Basheerabad police station. Cyberabad Police Commissioner Ramesh Reddy confirmed the arrest. Following standard legal procedures, Bhageerath was presented before a magistrate, who ordered him to be placed in judicial custody until May 29. His attorney, Karunasagar, informed the media of these developments.

The case centers around a 17-year-old girl whose parents allege that Bhageerath befriended their daughter under the pretense of marriage and later sexually assaulted her at a farmhouse in Moinabad on December 31. These grave accusations have sparked widespread public attention and debate, particularly given Bhageerath’s familial connections to a prominent political figure.

In a counter move, Bhageerath’s parents have filed a complaint against the girl and her family, alleging that they attempted to extort Rs 5 crore from him through blackmail. This counter-claim has led to the police initiating a separate investigation into allegations of extortion and criminal intimidation against the girl’s family, further complicating the narrative surrounding the case.

The matter was brought before a vacation bench of the High Court, where Justice T Madhavi Devi heard arguments until midnight on Friday. The court has reserved its ruling on Bhageerath’s plea for anticipatory bail, with a decision expected on May 21. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case raises critical questions about accountability, especially in instances where power dynamics are at play.

Source: scroll.in