Tension continued to prevail near the Petbasheerabad police station in Hyderabad as student unions and women’s organisations intensified their protests demanding the arrest of Bandi Sai Bageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in connection with a POCSO case registered against him.
The protests, which have been ongoing for several days, drew participation from multiple student groups, activists, and women’s rights organisations. Demonstrators gathered outside the police station raising slogans and demanding swift action from the police authorities. Protesters alleged that despite a serious case being registered, no immediate arrest had been made, leading to public outrage and growing criticism of the investigation process.
According to police officials, the case was registered after the mother of the victim approached the Petbasheerabad police station with a formal complaint. Based on her statement, police booked Bandi Sai Bageerath under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The case was officially registered last Friday.
Police sources stated that Sai Bageerath has not yet appeared before the investigating officers and is reportedly absconding. This development further intensified protests, with demonstrators questioning why stronger action had not been taken despite the seriousness of the allegations. Several activists accused authorities of delaying the investigation due to political pressure, though police officials have not commented on those allegations.
As tensions increased around the police station, senior police officials deployed additional security personnel in the area to prevent any untoward incidents. Barricades were placed outside the station, and strict security arrangements were made to control crowds and maintain law and order. A large police presence could be seen throughout the day as protesters continued their demonstrations.
On Thursday, several student organisations attempted to stage a larger protest in front of the police station. Police intervened and detained multiple protesters to prevent the situation from escalating further. Those detained were later shifted to different locations in the city. Videos and images from the protest quickly spread across social media, attracting widespread attention and sparking heated discussions online.
Women’s groups participating in the demonstrations said that authorities must ensure justice is delivered without delay, irrespective of the accused person’s political background. They stressed that cases registered under the POCSO Act should be handled with urgency and transparency. Protesters also demanded that the police provide regular updates regarding the investigation to maintain public trust.
Meanwhile, political reactions to the case have also begun surfacing, with opposition leaders questioning the delay in action. However, supporters of Bandi Sanjay have alleged that the issue is being politicised and urged people not to jump to conclusions before the investigation is completed.
Police officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and assured that all legal procedures would be followed. Authorities are reportedly collecting evidence and examining all aspects related to the complaint. Officials also appealed to the public to maintain peace and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.
The incident has now become a major talking point in Telangana politics and has triggered widespread debate over accountability, law enforcement, and the handling of sensitive cases involving influential individuals.
