Bandi Bhageerath Must Be Arrested Immediately: CPM

The CPI(M) Telangana State Committee today strongly condemned the alleged sexual harassment of a minor girl by Bandi Sai Bhageerath, son of BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay.

CPM State Secretary John Wesley said that the party was demanding that the State Home Department and the DGP take strict action in the matter and arrest Bhageerath, rather than merely wash their hands off the issue by registering a case under the POCSO Act.

He alleged that illegal counter cases had been foisted on the victim's family in Karimnagar, that had gone to file a complaint regarding the harassment. He said that the young girl had even attempted suicide on two separate occasions unable to withstand the harassment by the accused as well as the police.

Wesley also pointed out that there were previous cases against Bhageerath, including ragging allegations at Mahindra University.

He expressed apprehension that Bandi Sanjay, using his political influence and official position, might orchestrate attacks against the victims in an attempt to force them to withdraw the case.

"There are already indications that efforts are being made to derail the investigation. The CPI(M) demands that full protection be immediately extended to the victim and her family, and that the illegal cases filed against the girl's family be withdrawn without delay," he said.