BRS alleges Congress, BJP shielding POCSO accused

BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar questioned the State government's handling of the Petbasheerabad minor rape case, alleging lapses in protecting the victim’s interests and opposing bail. He demanded a review of the bail order and immediate filing of the charge sheet.

Hyderabad: BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar questioned the Congress government‘s failure to prevent the grant of bail to Union Minister’s son Bandi Sai Bageerath in the POCSO case and protect the interests of the victim in the Petbasheerabad minor rape case. He also accused the police of not providing prior information to the victim as mandated under the provisions of the POCSO Act.

Speaking to mediapersons at Telangana Bhavan on Monday, Praveen Kumar said attempts were being made to shield Bageerath, who is accused in the POCSO case. He alleged that the victim’s family was not being informed about court proceedings as required under the POCSO Act. He said the victim’s mother had complained that neither details of the bail proceedings nor recorded statements had been shared with them.

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Questioning the circumstances under which Bageerath obtained bail, Praveen Kumar asked why the government had failed to oppose the plea effectively. He alleged that the Public Prosecutor did not present strong arguments before the court and demanded action against officials responsible for facilitating the bail.

“The Revanth Reddy government deployed a Special Public Prosecutor to press charges against former MLA Balka Suman. What prevented it from hiring such a Special Public Prosecutor for the victim in this sensitive case involving a minor girl? Why is it intentionally trying to downplay the case and failing to argue effectively?” he asked.

Praveen Kumar alleged collusion between the Congress and the BJP, claiming that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Union Minister Bandi Sanjay were working to protect the accused. He also questioned why notices had not been issued to others, including Bandi Sanjay and BJP leader Sangappa, who were allegedly linked to the case.

The BRS leader raised doubts over special examinations being conducted for Bageerath at Mahindra University. Pointing out that there was a study centre of Dr BR Ambedkar Open University at Cherlapalli prison, he questioned why the government did not argue for alternative arrangements for the examinations within the prison. “In the worst case, a police team could have escorted him to Mahindra University to write his examinations. Why did the government not make such arrangements?” he asked.

Stating that the BRS would continue to support the victim’s family, Praveen Kumar said the party would approach the Telangana High Court against any attempt to dilute the case. He demanded that the State government seek a review of the bail granted to Bageerath and also file the charge sheet immediately. He reminded that officials were liable for punishment for violations under the POCSO Act.