ISLAMABAD: A sexual harassment case involving the son of Indian Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has ignited significant political controversy in Telangana, The Wire reported on Tuesday.
The complaint was filed by the family of a minor girl, who accused the minister's son, Bandi Sai Bageerath, of sexual harassment.
Police registered the case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO), a stringent law dealing with crimes against minors.
The issue has intensified political tensions, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of double standards on women’s safety and child protection.
Reports say investigators later examined the minor’s statement and added more serious POCSO provisions, underlining the gravity of the allegations.
Fair probe in doubt
According to The Wire, the case is particularly sensitive because Bandi Sanjay is the Union minister of state in the home affairs ministry, which oversees law enforcement and internal security.
Opposition leaders have questioned whether a fair probe is possible when the accused is the son of a powerful BJP leader.
They have also accused the BJP of loudly raising women’s safety issues against rivals while appearing defensive when allegations involve its own leaders or their families.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reportedly directed police to ensure a swift and transparent investigation.
Case politically motivated, claims BJP
The BJP has rejected the allegations, writes The Wire, with Bandi Sanjay claiming the case is politically motivated and intended to damage his reputation.
He has alleged a conspiracy and said a counter-complaint has been filed accusing others of extortion and entrapment.
However, opposition parties argue that such claims should not be used to weaken or delay an investigation involving a minor.
The case has now become a political flashpoint in Telangana, placing the BJP under pressure at a time when it presents itself as a party of strict law and order.
As the probe continues, the key question is whether authorities can conduct an impartial investigation without political pressure.
The outcome could affect public confidence in how sensitive cases involving influential political families are handled.
