Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday refused to grant any interim relief to Bandi Bhagirath in connection with the POCSO case registered against him at the Pet Basheerabad police station. The court observed that no orders on anticipatory bail can be passed at this stage and rejected repeated pleas seeking interim protection from arrest.
Justice T. Madhavi Devi heard the matter in a late-night sitting, which continued from around 9 pm until nearly midnight. After hearing detailed arguments from all parties, the court adjourned the case to next week, stating that it would take a decision on interim relief after perusing the statement of the victim.
Senior counsel appearing for the petitioner, S. Niranjan Reddy, argued that the case was politically motivated and that the allegations were false and inconsistent. He contended that the complaint was filed after a significant delay and that the relationship between the parties was consensual with parental knowledge. The defence also questioned the timing of the allegations and referred to call records, chats, and photographs, claiming they indicated mutual consent. He further argued that the petitioner had been falsely implicated by adding stringent sections and expressed readiness to submit digital evidence before the court.
Opposing the plea, Public Prosecutor Palle Nageswara Rao submitted that the case involved serious allegations under the POCSO Act and that Sections 5 and 6 were applicable. He stated that additional sections were incorporated after recording the victim’s statement. The prosecution further informed the court that official records, including educational certificates, GHMC documents, and birth records from Fernandez Hospital, confirmed the victim’s date of birth as August 12, 2008, establishing her as a minor at the time of the alleged offence. The prosecution argued that anticipatory bail was not maintainable in such cases.
Counsel for the victim, Pappu Nageswara Rao, alleged that the accused’s family, including his father, a Union Minister, had exerted pressure and issued threats, causing fear among the victim and her family. He also claimed that there were other similar victims who may come forward in due course and urged the court not to grant any relief at this stage.
During the hearing, Justice Madhavi Devi also expressed concern over social media commentary and alleged misinformation surrounding the case. She remarked that false claims suggesting influence or inducement being made against the court were distressing. The judge stated that she would recuse herself if any party had objections, but the victim’s counsel expressed full confidence in the court. The prosecution also sought strict action against those spreading misinformation, which the court acknowledged. The matter has been posted for further hearing next week.