Revanth Reddy defends probe pace, urges Bandi Sanjay to hand over son to police

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said Bandi Sai Bhageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar and accused in a POCSO case, was absconding. He defended the police action, stressing that procedures had to be followed carefully in sensitive cases, especially involving minors.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday said that Bandi Sai Bageerath, an accused in a POCSO case, was absconding and urged Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar “to hand over his son” to the police.

Addressing a conclave in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said the police had registered a case within an hour after the victim’s mother lodged a complaint. He added that only the sections applicable based on the complaint could initially be invoked.

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Revanth Reddy said the government could not act in haste in such sensitive cases, particularly since a minor was involved and a complaint had also been filed against her. He said the police had to verify the girl’s age and complete procedural formalities before taking further action.

He stated that on May 11, additional sections were invoked and notices were served to the accused and others linked to the case.

“The government has to follow rules and act according to the law,” he said, while asking whether a father should be arrested for a crime allegedly committed by his son.

Responding to criticism over the pace of the investigation, the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Hyderabad during that period and around 10,000 police personnel had been deployed for his security. He said the city was sensitive and the government could not afford any untoward incidents.

Rejecting allegations of political vendetta, Revanth Reddy said that if the government had acted hastily during the Prime Minister’s visit, it would have faced criticism for targeting political opponents. He assured justice and support to the victim and said the government would act firmly irrespective of whether those involved were politicians or film personalities.

On his political future, the Chief Minister exuded confidence that he would continue in office till 2034 and later move to national politics.

Revanth Reddy also claimed that he shared a close relationship with the Gandhi family and said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had messaged him just now on the phone regarding a case issue in Telangana.

He further said that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu continued to respect him despite his exit from the Telugu Desam Party a decade ago.