Hyderabad: Bandi Sai Bageerath, accused in a POCSO case for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl, was moved to Cherlapalli Central Prison in Hyderabad on Saturday, May 16, after a magistrate ordered 14-day judicial remand.
Videos shared on social media showed the accused being transferred to the central prison late on Saturday.
Earlier on Saturday, Bageerath was arrested near the Telangana Police Academy in Narsingi. The Police Commissioner said the accused was caught while driving a car.
After his arrest, Bageerath was taken to Pet Basheerabad police station, where he was questioned for nearly two hours and his statement was recorded. He was then taken to a primary health center in Medchal for a medical examination, after which he was presented before the Medchal court, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody until May 29.
Background of the POCSO case
On May 8, Bageerath was booked under the POCSO case by Pet Basheerabad police. According to the complaint, Bageerath made the victim consume alcohol and sexually assaulted her at a farmhouse on the outskirts of Hyderabad on three separate occasions.
Bageerath filed a counter-complaint with police in Karimnagar, alleging extortion and intimidation by the girl and her parents. He said the girl became acquainted with him and invited him to family functions and group gatherings.
He claimed that the girl’s family later pressured him to marry her and demanded money after he refused. He alleged that he paid 50,000 rupees to the girl’s father out of fear, but the family later demanded 5 crore rupees and threatened to file false complaints if he did not comply.
Following orders from the Chief Minister, a Special Investigation Team was formed, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Kukatpally was assigned to lead it.
On May 12, Petbasheerabad Police changed the POCSO charges from child harassment to sexual assault. The earlier section, Section 11 (sexual harassment of a child), covers non-physical acts with sexual intent, such as suggestive gestures, pornography, stalking, or showing sexual body parts. The new Section 5(1) (Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault) involves penetrative sexual assault under certain aggravating circumstances. This is a non-bailable offense with a minimum sentence of 20 years.
On May 15, the High Court refused to grant any interim relief to Bageerath.
The controversy has sparked a political storm in Telangana, with opposition parties attacking the BJP leadership over the case.
Cherlapalli Central Prison
Cherlapalli Central Prison, located in Hyderabad, India, is one of the largest correctional facilities in the state of Telangana. Originally established in the 1990s to alleviate overcrowding in other prisons, it was designed with modern security features and rehabilitation programs. The prison has since been involved in notable legal cases and initiatives aimed at reforming inmates through education and vocational training.
Telangana Police Academy
The Telangana Police Academy, located in Hyderabad, serves as the primary training institution for police personnel in the state of Telangana, India. Established after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, it was built upon the foundation of the former Andhra Pradesh Police Academy, inheriting a legacy of law enforcement training dating back several decades. The academy focuses on modernizing police education, emphasizing community policing, human rights, and advanced investigative techniques.
Cherlapalli Central Prison
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Cherlapalli Central Prison
Cherlapalli Central Prison is a high-security correctional facility located in Hyderabad, India, established in the early 21st century to alleviate overcrowding at the older Chanchalguda prison. It was officially inaugurated in 2016 and is known for its modern infrastructure, including separate blocks for different categories of inmates and facilities for vocational training. The prison also gained attention for housing high-profile political prisoners and implementing reforms aimed at rehabilitation.
Telangana Police Academy
The Telangana Police Academy, located in Hyderabad, is a premier training institution for police personnel in the state of Telangana, India. Established to modernize and professionalize law enforcement, it provides rigorous training in physical fitness, legal knowledge, and modern policing techniques. The academy plays a key role in shaping the state’s police force, emphasizing discipline, ethics, and community service since its inception.
Pet Basheerabad police station
The Pet Basheerabad police station is a law enforcement facility located in the Ranga Reddy district of Telangana, India, serving the local community. Historically, the area of Basheerabad was part of the princely state of Hyderabad, and the police station has evolved over time to address the growing needs of the surrounding residential and rural zones. Today, it functions as a key hub for maintaining public order and safety in the region.
Medchal court
Medchal Court, located in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana, India, serves as a key judicial complex for the region, handling civil and criminal cases. Its establishment followed the formation of the district in 2016, when it was carved out of Ranga Reddy district to improve administrative efficiency. The court operates under the Telangana High Court, providing accessible legal services to the local population.
Karimnagar
Karimnagar is a city in the Indian state of Telangana, historically known as the seat of the Kakatiya dynasty and later ruled by the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties. It is named after Syed Karimuddin, a former governor under the Nizam of Hyderabad. The city is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including landmarks like the Elgandal Fort and the nearby Sri Raja Rajeshwara Temple.
Kukatpally
Kukatpally is a major residential and commercial suburb in Hyderabad, India, with its origins as a village named after the local Kukatpalli community. It experienced rapid urbanization and growth in the late 20th century, transforming from a rural area into a densely populated hub known for its IT offices, shopping centers, and educational institutions. Today, it serves as a key junction connecting Hyderabad’s expanding western corridor with the rest of the city.
High Court
The High Court is the highest judicial body in a country or state, typically responsible for handling major civil and criminal cases, constitutional matters, and appeals from lower courts. Its history often dates back to the colonial era or the establishment of the national legal system, serving as a cornerstone of the judiciary and upholding the rule of law. Notable examples include the High Court of Australia, established in 1901, and the High Court of England and Wales, with roots in medieval common law courts.
