Amid mounting political pressure from all sides, the Congress government in Telangana, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, has stepped up the investigation into the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case involving Bandi Bhagirath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar.
Following directions from the Chief Minister, Telangana Director General of Police C V Anand constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.
The SIT, headed by Kukatpally Deputy Commissioner of Police Ritiraj, is now accelerating the investigation.
As part of the probe, Ritiraj held a review meeting on Tuesday with officials, including the Pet Basheerabad ACP and police inspectors associated with the case.
She reviewed all existing details connected to the case and directed officials to carry out the investigation in a more comprehensive manner.
Ritiraj confirmed that an FIR had been registered at the Pet Basheerabad Police Station.
The SIT chief said investigators were examining all developments that had taken place so far and that the process would continue over the next few days.
She said the SIT would proceed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the POCSO Act.
Investigators are identifying what charges can be invoked and what evidence needs to be collected to establish the facts of the case.
The SIT has already recorded the statement of the victim, and officials indicated that her statement may be recorded again for additional details.
The investigation team is also collecting technical evidence, including phone call data records and other digital evidence.
DCP Ritiraj assured that the case would be investigated swiftly and impartially to ensure justice for the victim.
She also said that if the allegations are proven, the accused would be arrested.
At the same time, she confirmed that Bandi Bhagirath has not yet been traced, but asserted that police would locate him soon.
Meanwhile, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi women’s wing staged protests in front of the Cyberabad Commissionerate, demanding immediate action against Bandi Bhagirath.
Party delegations submitted a memorandum to Cyberabad Commissioner Ramesh Reddy, seeking his arrest and demanding justice for the minor girl involved in the case.
