Telangana’s main Opposition party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), staged protests across the state on Monday. The party demanded the immediate dismissal of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar. The demand follows the arrest of his son, Bandi Bhageerath, in a POCSO case for alleged sexual assault of a minor girl.
BRS legislators and leaders led protests in all constituencies. Protesters held placards and banners and raised slogans demanding the minister’s dismissal.
In Huzurabad, BRS cadres held a large protest under party MLA P Kaushik Reddy. One protester was seen beating Bandi Sanjay’s picture on a banner with footwear while others raised slogans.
In Vemulawada, BRS cadres protested under the leadership of Chalmeda Lakshmi Narasimha Rao. They demanded justice for the minor victim. Protesters sat on the road with banners and posters. They called for the minister’s immediate resignation. They warned that if he refuses, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should dismiss him.
Similarly in Gangadhara and Karimnagar, Former MLA Sunke Ravishankar led a large protest. Demonstrators demanded Bandi Sanjay’s immediate dismissal.
In Sircilla, tension broke out at Netanna Chowrasta in Sircilla town. BJP cadres allegedly attempted to disrupt a peaceful BRS protest. BRS leaders claimed BJP workers hurled slippers at their cadres. Police resorted to a mild lathi-charge and detained BJP workers to restore order.
In Hyderabad, women leaders of BRS visited the Bhagya Lakshmi temple at Charminar. Former MLA G. Sunitha told reporters they prayed for the minister and his son to “receive good wisdom.” She reiterated that Bandi Sanjay must resign immediately.
KTR’s demand
BRS Working President KT Rama Rao had on Sunday demanded Bandi Sanjay’s immediate dismissal. He said it was necessary to ensure a fair and impartial investigation in the POCSO case.
Rama Rao noted that Prime Minister Modi frequently invokes “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.” He said the slogan amounts to political rhetoric if justice is not delivered in such cases.
Also, he pointed out that this may be the first instance in India where a lookout notice came out against the son of a sitting Union Minister. He questioned how the accused remained untraceable for nine days and asked who sheltered him during that period.
Bandi Bhageerath was arrested by Cyberabad Police on the night of May 16. He was produced before a Magistrate and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.