A significant development has emerged in the POCSO case involving Bandi Bhageerath, with the Medchal–Malkajgiri POCSO Special Court granting three days of police custody to the accused. The accused, currently lodged in Cherlapally Central Prison following his arrest by Pet Basheerabad police on May 16, is expected to be taken into custody shortly for further interrogation.
The court approved the custody request after police submitted that custodial interrogation was necessary to gather crucial evidence in the case. Accepting the arguments, the court permitted a three-day custody period to facilitate further investigation.
The case pertains to allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl, along with threats of circulating her private photographs on social media. Based on the complaint filed by the victim’s family, police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
As part of the investigation, police have already recorded the confidential statements of the victim and her parents before a magistrate in Medchal district court. The proceedings reportedly lasted around 40 minutes and are being treated as key evidence in the case.
During the custodial interrogation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is expected to focus on digital and electronic evidence. Investigators will examine allegations that data from the accused’s mobile phone, including WhatsApp chats and call records, was deleted. Forensic experts are likely to assist in retrieving and analysing digital communication records between the accused and the victim.
Meanwhile, the case has led to conflicting claims from both parties. The victim’s mother has alleged that the family, belonging to a middle-class background, is facing pressure and threats after seeking justice. She reiterated that they approached authorities for legal protection and action.
However, the accused’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations, claiming the case has been falsely implicated. They have alleged that the complainant side demanded ₹5 crore and engaged in blackmail after their demands were not met. The defence also stated that a counter-complaint has already been filed in Karimnagar in connection with the dispute.