Bandi Bhagirath Requests Postponement of SIT Questioning in POCSO Investigation

Hyderabad — In a significant development in an ongoing investigation, Bandi Bhagirath has requested additional time from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case filed against him.

The son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar was initially directed to present himself for questioning on Wednesday at 2 PM following notices issued on May 12. However, he failed to comply with this directive.

Through an electronic communication sent to Pet Basheerabad police approximately three hours after the scheduled time had passed, Bhagirath indicated his intention to appear before the SIT on Friday. In his message, he committed to furnishing full cooperation with the investigation and assured officials that he would bring "complete evidence" pertaining to the allegations.

The case originated from a complaint lodged by relatives of a 17-year-old girl from Suchitra in Quthbullapur on May 8, which alleged sexual harassment. The investigation is being overseen by Kukatpally Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police Rithiraj.

Initial charges against Bhagirath were registered under Sections 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act, along with Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Following a re-examination of the victim's statement, investigators added Section 5(i) of the POCSO Act to the charges, which encompasses aggravated sexual assault and premeditated sexual acts.

The case has drawn considerable political attention since the allegations emerged against the son of the prominent Union minister.