The son of a central Union Minister of State for Home Affairs was arrested on charges of raping a minor by promising marriage. Police arrested Bandi Sai Bhagirath, son of Central Minister Bandi Sanjay, on Saturday. A case was filed against the accused under the POCSO Act, and an investigation has begun. Based on a complaint from the mother of the 17-year-old girl, police had initiated an investigation against Bhagirath under the POCSO Act on May 8.

The victim’s mother filed a complaint against the minister’s son at the Petbasheerabad police station in Telangana. Her complaint stated that Bhagirath entered into a relationship with her daughter in June 2025 by falsely promising marriage. The accused subjected the minor to continuous physical abuse from October last year to January this year, under the pretext of marriage. She was also forced to consume alcohol. The teenager suffered mental breakdown due to the incident and attempted suicide twice in late January.

Allegation: The accused subjected the minor to continuous physical abuse from October last year to January this year, under the pretext of marriage.

Meanwhile, to increase pressure on the girl’s family, the accused Bhagirath filed a complaint with the police. In that complaint, lodged at the Karimnagar-2 Town police station, it was claimed that the girl’s parents attempted to extort 5 crore rupees from him and threatened suicide if the money was not paid. As the situation escalated, Bhagirath’s father, Central Minister Sanjay Kumar, stated that he had asked his son to surrender to the police and cooperate with the investigation. Bhagirath had also sought interim bail on Friday to avoid arrest, but the plea was rejected. It was believed that the accused would surrender at the police station on Saturday. However, police confirmed that he was arrested from Hyderabad.

Notably, a lookout notice had already been issued against the accused Bhagirath by the Telangana police. This notice was issued to prevent him from fleeing the country. Additionally, TRS President K. Kavitha wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue, demanding that Central Minister Sanjay Kumar be removed from the cabinet to ensure a fair and independent investigation into the POCSO case against his son.

Petbasheerabad

Petbasheerabad, located in the Secunderabad area of Hyderabad, India, is a historic locality that traces its origins to the 18th century when it was established as a settlement during the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The area is named after a local notable or possibly a Persian-derived title, and it has evolved into a bustling residential and commercial neighborhood. Today, it is known for its diverse community and proximity to key landmarks like the Secunderabad Railway Station.

Telangana

Telangana is a state in southern India, established on June 2, 2014, after a long movement for statehood from the former Andhra Pradesh. Its history is rich with ancient dynasties like the Kakatiyas, who built the iconic Warangal Fort, and later the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi rulers who developed Hyderabad. The region is known for its unique Deccan culture, including the Charminar, Hyderabadi cuisine, and vibrant festivals like Bathukamma.

Karimnagar-2 Town

Karimnagar-2 Town, located in the Indian state of Telangana, is a part of the larger Karimnagar city, which historically served as the capital of the former Karimnagar district under the Nizam of Hyderabad. The town developed as a hub for administration and commerce, with its growth tied to the region’s agricultural and textile industries. Today, it is known for its cultural landmarks, such as temples and parks, reflecting a blend of medieval and modern influences.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a historic city in southern India, known for its rich blend of culture and architecture, including the iconic Charminar. Founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, it served as the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and later the princely state of Hyderabad under the Nizams. Today, it is a major hub for technology and commerce, while preserving its heritage through landmarks like the Golconda Fort and traditional cuisine.