Bandi Bhageerath Sai, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, has been arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault case involving a minor. The arrest came shortly after the Telangana High Court declined to grant him interim protection from arrest following a late-night hearing on Friday.
Sai, 25, has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case stems from a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who has accused him of harassment and sexual assault.
Minister says he handed over son for investigation
Confirming the development, Kumar said he ensured his son’s cooperation with the authorities. In a post on X, he stated, “With utmost respect for the law and judiciary, today my son Bandi Bhageerath went before the Telangana Police through our advocates for investigation. I have said this before too: whether it is my own son or a common citizen, everyone is equal before the law.”
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He further added, “My son has consistently maintained that he has committed no mistake. After consulting legal experts and placing before them the evidence available with us, we were advised that the matter would be addressed appropriately through the legal process.”
Emphasising cooperation, the minister said, “At the same time, I believe in fully cooperating with the investigation and respecting the judicial system. Even though court proceedings are underway and orders are expected next week, and despite advice from our legal team, I felt there should be no hesitation from our side in cooperating with the inquiry. I have complete faith in the justice system. Justice may be delayed, but not denied.”
Satyameva Jayate
— Bandi Sanjay Kumar (@bandisanjay_bjp) May 16, 2026
With utmost respect for the law and judiciary, today my son Bandi Bhageerath went before the Telangana Police through our advocates for investigation.
I have said this before too: whether it is my own son or a common citizen, everyone is equal before the law.…
During the hearing, Sai’s legal team argued that the complainant had earlier described the relationship between the two as consensual and cordial. However, the survivor’s counsel opposed the plea. Justice T Madhavi Devi observed that she was not inclined to pass any interim order at this stage.
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Accused claims ‘honey-trap’ angle
Sai has denied all allegations, claiming the case is part of a “honey-trap and extortion attempt”. He alleged that he had previously approached the police, accusing the girl and her family of pressuring him to marry her and demanding ₹5 crore.
Kumar has also dismissed the accusations, describing them as “false propaganda” spread by political opponents. The investigation is currently underway.
