Hyderabad: A week after a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered against him, Bandi Sai Bhageerath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, was arrested and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.

While Bandi Sanjay stated that his son had voluntarily surrendered before the Pet Basheerabad police station along with legal representatives, the Cyberabad Police maintained that Bhageerath was apprehended near Tech Park in Manchirevula under the Narsingi police station limits during a naka-bandi operation conducted near the Telangana Police Academy on Saturday night.

According to police, Bhageerath was taken into custody around 8.15 pm in connection with the POCSO case registered at Pet Basheerabad police station on May 8.

Medical Examination Conducted Before Court Remand

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Mastepuram Ramesh said Bhageerath was shifted to the Pet Basheerabad police station after his arrest and examined by the investigating officer in the presence of panch witnesses.

Following a medical examination, he was produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days.

The development came a day after the High Court declined to grant interim relief in Bhageerath’s anticipatory bail petition.

Confirming his son’s custody, Bandi Sanjay said he handed him over to police “out of respect for the law” following the allegations made against him.

The Union Minister stated that although he initially considered surrendering his son immediately after the complaint was filed, Bhageerath repeatedly claimed innocence. Sanjay added that legal experts had reviewed the available evidence and expressed confidence that bail could be granted by the court.

According to the minister, this legal consultation led to a delay in Bhageerath’s surrender. He further said he had faith in the judicial process and expected the High Court to hear the bail plea on Monday.

Police Conduct Searches in Delhi, Hyderabad and Karimnagar

Earlier in the day, police teams conducted searches at several locations linked to Bhageerath in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Karimnagar.

Searches were also carried out at Bandi Sanjay’s official quarters in New Delhi and his residence in Hyderabad. Police said teams examined locations frequently visited by Bhageerath, including houses of his acquaintances.

Investigators had also issued a lookout circular during the probe.

Police officials said Bhageerath had earlier been asked to appear before investigators on May 12. However, an email received on May 13 informed police that he would appear after two days along with supporting evidence. Police said it was unclear who had sent the email.

The investigation is being supervised by Kukatpally DCP Ritiraj.

Kavitha Demands Removal of Bandi Sanjay from Union Cabinet

Meanwhile, K Kavitha wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the removal of Bandi Sanjay from the Union Cabinet to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the case.

In her letter, Kavitha stated that the allegations under the POCSO Act were serious in nature and required an independent probe free from political influence.