Former MLA Claims Police Diluting POCSO Investigation Through Section Changes

Hyderabad: Former MLA Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar has levelled accusations against law enforcement, claiming they are undermining a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act investigation by altering legal sections after the case was initially registered.

At a press gathering held at the BRS office in Balasamudram, Bhaskar stated that voices supporting democratic values nationwide have been criticizing the delay in apprehending the accused. He emphasized that the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi party is pressing for swift action against the person in question.

The former legislator also criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, asserting that the government's current stance contradicts earlier public commitments. Bhaskar recalled that the Chief Minister had previously pledged decisive measures against celebrities and individuals with political influence who face criminal allegations.

According to Bhaskar's allegations, police registered the initial complaint under POCSO provisions but subsequently modified the legal sections applied to the case, thereby weakening investigative efforts. He contended that authorities appear to be redirecting the investigation's course.

The former MLA drew attention to recent cases registered against BRS party members, claiming that officers applied non-bailable sections after party leaders engaged with officials regarding the removal of party flags at a farmers' event organized by KT Rama Rao.

Bhaskar noted that the victim endured her ordeal for approximately two years before filing a police complaint alongside her parents. He maintained that despite this formal step, the authorities have not pursued rigorous investigative measures.

In his remarks, Bhaskar also referenced statements from national Congress leadership calling for stringent punishment of the accused. He alleged that the Telangana administration is instead providing support to BJP leaders and shielding individuals implicated in the matter.

The former MLA cautioned that the BRS intends to execute a series of demonstrations to register protest against the government's management of the investigation and its purported protection of BJP-affiliated figures.