Hyderabad: A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been registered against Bhageerath, son of Union Minister and BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar, following allegations of sexual harassment made by a minor girl and her family.
According to police, the 17-year-old girl’s mother alleged that Bhageerath, who was reportedly in a relationship with her daughter, sexually harassed the minor. Police said the alleged relationship began around seven to eight months ago. The girl, who is a student, is yet to be examined by investigators.
Meanwhile, Bhageerath filed a counter-complaint with the police in Karimnagar, alleging extortion and criminal intimidation by the girl and her parents. Based on his complaint, an FIR has also been registered.
In his complaint, Bhageerath stated that after becoming acquainted with the girl, he was invited to family functions and group gatherings. Trusting the family, he accompanied them on visits to certain holy places as part of a friend’s group.
He further alleged that the girl and her parents later pressured him to marry her. After he rejected the proposal, the girl’s parents allegedly demanded money and threatened to file false complaints against him if he failed to comply.
Bhageerath claimed he paid Rs 50,000 to the girl’s father out of fear, but the family later demanded Rs 5 crore. He also alleged that the girl’s mother threatened to die by suicide if the demand.
With PTI inputs