Police have issued a stern warning against the circulation of sensitive information related to the POCSO case registered against Bandi Bhageerath, son of Union Minister. Authorities have intensified action against individuals and social media accounts allegedly revealing the identity of the minor victim online. The latest developments come following a complaint lodged by the Medchal-Malkajgiri District Child Welfare Committee Chairperson.
According to police, photographs, videos and personal details of the victim and her parents linked to FIR No. 684/2026 were being circulated widely on social media platforms. Acting on the complaint, officials registered another case — FIR No. 706/2026 — under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, Section 72(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Section 23 of the POCSO Act.
Investigators said efforts are underway to identify the individuals operating Instagram and Facebook accounts that allegedly shared the prohibited content. Cases have also been booked against social media administrators accused of publishing photographs, videos and other identifying details related to the victim and her family. Police reiterated that disclosing the identity of victims in POCSO-related cases is a punishable offence and may lead to imprisonment and heavy penalties.
Meanwhile, Bandi Sanjay Kumar approached the City Civil Court seeking relief over the repeated mention of his name in connection with the case registered against his son. After hearing the petition, the court issued key directions stating that Bandi Sanjay’s name should not be unnecessarily linked to the case involving Bandi Bhageerath.
The court further directed media organisations and digital platforms not to publish or broadcast reports associating the Union Minister with the case, as he is not directly connected to the investigation. In his petition, Bandi Sanjay argued that his political reputation was being harmed by attempts to drag his name into the controversy. Taking note of these submissions, the City Civil Court ordered that his name should not be used in relation to the dispute.