BRS Holds Statewide Protests Demanding Dismissal of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Over Son’s Arrest in POCSO Case

Hyderabad, May 18 : The opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi on Monday staged widespread protests across Telangana demanding the immediate dismissal of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar following the arrest of his son, Bandi Bhageerath, in a POCSO case involving allegations of sexual assault of a minor girl.

BRS legislators, senior leaders and party workers organised demonstrations in several constituencies across the state, intensifying political pressure on the BJP-led Central government. Protestors carried placards and banners while raising slogans demanding the resignation or dismissal of the Union Minister to ensure a fair investigation into the case.

One of the largest demonstrations was held in Huzurabad constituency under the leadership of BRS MLA P. Kaushik Reddy. Party cadres gathered in large numbers and staged a massive protest condemning the incident. During the demonstration, a protestor was seen striking a banner carrying Bandi Sanjay’s photograph with footwear while others shouted slogans demanding action against the minister.

In Vemulawada, BRS workers led by senior leader Chalmeda Lakshmi Narasimha Rao organised another major protest seeking justice for the minor victim. Protestors sat on the road holding posters and banners demanding that Bandi Sanjay immediately resign from the Union Cabinet.

The demonstrators stated that if the minister refused to step down voluntarily, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should remove him from office to ensure an impartial probe.

In Gangadhara area of Karimnagar district, former MLA Sunke Ravishankar led a large protest rally where participants accused the BJP leadership of remaining silent on the issue. Protestors demanded strict legal action and accountability.

Tension prevailed at Netanna Chowrasta in Sircilla town after BJP workers allegedly attempted to disrupt a protest organised by BRS cadres. According to BRS leaders, BJP activists hurled slippers toward protestors who were staging what they described as a peaceful demonstration demanding the Union Minister’s dismissal.

The confrontation briefly escalated before police intervened to bring the situation under control. Police reportedly resorted to a mild lathi-charge and detained several BJP workers to prevent further clashes between supporters of the two parties.

In Hyderabad, women leaders of the BRS visited the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple near Charminar and offered prayers. Former MLA G. Sunitha told reporters that they prayed for “good wisdom” for both Bandi Sanjay and his son. She reiterated the party’s demand that the Union Minister immediately resign on moral grounds.

On Sunday, BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao had strongly demanded the dismissal of Bandi Sanjay, arguing that such a step was necessary to ensure a transparent and unbiased investigation in the POCSO case involving his son.

Rama Rao criticised the BJP leadership and questioned the government’s commitment to the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” slogan often highlighted by Prime Minister Modi. He said justice could not be ensured if such slogans remained limited to political speeches.

The BRS leader also remarked that perhaps for the first time in the country, a lookout notice had to be issued against the son of a sitting Union Minister. He questioned how the accused allegedly remained hidden for nine days and asked who had protected him during that period.

Bandi Bhageerath was arrested by Cyberabad Police on the night of May 16. He was later produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.

Team Maverick.