BackLAW
No Interim Relief For Union Minister Bandi Sanjay's Son In Sexual Assault Case
The Telangana High Court refused interim protection from arrest for Bhageerath Sai in a POCSO case. The hearing went on until near midnight, with orders expected on the next vacation court day. The case stems from a May 8 FIR based on a mother's complaint alleging a relationship and harassment, plus a separate complaint by Bhageerath that also led to an FIR.
Why It Matters
This ruling affects potential arrest in a high-profile POCSO case involving a public figure's family and illustrates how anticipatory bail petitions are handled in sensitive cases.
Timeline
3 Events
High Court hearing on interim anticipatory bail; no interim protection granted
May 15, 2026
Justice T Madhavi Devi resumed hearing on the interim anticipatory bail petition of Bhageerath Sai. The court did not grant any interim protection from arrest and indicated that orders would be issued on the next vacation court day. The hearing continued until nearly midnight. Arguments included assertions of the court's inherent power to grant interim bail pending final disposal, and the victim's mother's claim that there was a 2025 relationship. The petition also noted concerns about possible tampering with evidence due to the accused's family influence, and there were references to a smear campaign on social media; the city police commissioner was informed about this, and the judge chose to proceed with the hearing.
Court signals it would pass Friday orders on interim anticipatory bail
May 14, 2026
The Telangana High Court indicated that it would pass orders on Friday, May 15, regarding the interim anticipatory bail petition in the case involving Bhageerath. The judge had earlier noted that orders would be issued on the next vacation court day.
FIR registered against Bhageerath Sai in POCSO case
May 8, 2026
The case was registered under relevant Sections of the BNS and POCSO Act on May 8 against Bhageerath Sai based on a complaint by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who alleged that he was in a relationship with her daughter and sexually harassed her. Bhageerath had also lodged a complaint with the Karimnagar police, and an FIR was registered based on his complaint.