Bandi Sai Bhageerath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay, was arrested in Hyderabad on Saturday evening after surrendering to police in a POCSO case. The Telangana High Court had declined interim relief from arrest the previous day. He is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl over several months.
Bandi Sai Bhageerath was apprehended at the TGPA junction near Narsingi around 8 p.m. on May 16, 2026. Cyberabad police commissioner M. Ramesh Reddy stated that Bhageerath was first taken to Narsingi police station and later shifted to Pet Basheerabad police station for formalities. He was remanded in judicial custody and lodged in Cherlapally jail.
The arrest followed a week-long manhunt after the case was registered on May 8 at Pet Basheerabad police station. The complaint by the girl's mother alleged sexual assault and emotional manipulation over several months. Police had issued a lookout circular and conducted searches in Hyderabad and Karimnagar.
Bandi Sanjay said in a statement that he handed over his son to the police through advocates for investigation. He added that he respected the law and the judicial system, noting that everyone is equal before the law. The Telangana High Court had heard arguments until midnight on May 15 and reserved its order on the anticipatory bail petition for May 21.