(Image source from: Hindustantimes.com)
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son Bandi Bhageerath Sai was taken into custody for suspected sexual assault of a minor just hours after the Telangana High Court denied him temporary protection from arrest.
Kumar, the junior minister for Home Affairs and a BJP MP, informed on Saturday that he had turned Sai over to the police for an investigation regarding the case initiated after a 17-year-old girl accused him of harassment and sexual misconduct. The 25-year-old is facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In a post on X, Kumar expressed his belief in equality under the law. "With great respect for legal processes and the judiciary, my son Bandi Bhageerath went to the Telangana Police today with our lawyers to assist in the investigation. I have stated this before: whether it is my son or any other person, the law treats everyone the same. My son has always asserted that he has done nothing wrong. After discussing with legal experts and showing them the evidence we have, we were advised to handle the situation properly through the legal system," the minister stated.
"Simultaneously, I believe in fully aiding the investigation and honoring the court system. Even though legal proceedings are ongoing and we expect decisions next week, and despite our legal advice, I felt we should not hesitate to assist with the inquiry. I have complete trust in the justice system. Justice might take time, but it will not be denied," he continued. During a hearing that went on until almost midnight on Friday, the Telangana High Court refused to grant Sai temporary protection from arrest. Sai's lawyer informed the judge that the mother of the victim, who is the one filing the complaint, claimed that her daughter had a relationship with Sai last year that was friendly. The survivor's attorney opposed the appeal for bail. Justice T Madhavi Devi indicated that she was not inclined to issue any temporary orders at this time. Sai insisted that the case was a result of a "honey trap and extortion attempt. " He mentioned that he had previously contacted the police, claiming that the girl and her family were pressuring him to marry her and were demanding 5 crore rupees. Kumar also dismissed the accusations, labeling them as "false propaganda" being circulated by opposing parties.
