Bandi Bhageerath, the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, voluntarily surrendered to police in Hyderabad on June 11, 2024 [1].

The surrender follows an investigation under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Because the case involves allegations of sexual offenses against a minor, the legal proceedings carry significant weight and public scrutiny in India.

Authorities had issued a look-out circular after Bhageerath was named in the investigation [1]. This measure is typically used to prevent suspects from leaving the country or to track their movements during a criminal probe. The circular prompted the voluntary surrender of the minister's son to the Telangana police.

Bandi Sanjay Kumar addressed the situation publicly following the surrender. "All are equal before law," Kumar said [1].

A senior police officer said that the surrender occurred after the look-out circular was issued [1]. The officer did not provide further details regarding the specific nature of the allegations or the current status of the custody process.

Bandi Sanjay Kumar's public statement emphasizes a commitment to legal procedure despite the family's high political standing. The use of the POCSO Act ensures a specialized legal framework designed to protect child victims during the trial process. The case remains under investigation by the Hyderabad police as they determine the next steps in the judicial process [1].

“"All are equal before law,"”

The voluntary surrender of a high-ranking official's family member in a POCSO case tests the perceived impartiality of the Indian judicial system. By publicly stating that all are equal before the law, Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar is attempting to preempt accusations of political interference or preferential treatment in a sensitive case involving a minor.