‘Fair probe not possible unless...’: K T Rama Rao seeks Bandi Sanjay’s removal from cabinet after son’s arrest in POCSO case

NEW DELHI: BRS working president K T Rama Rao on Sunday demanded the removal of Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar from the cabinet following the arrest of his son, Bageerath, in the POCSO case, alleging that a fair investigation would not be possible otherwise.Addressing a party event in LB Nagar, Rama Rao said Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently speaks about “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, but justice cannot be ensured if such slogans remain just political rhetoric.“Perhaps for the first time in the country, a situation has arisen where a lookout notice has been issued against the son of a union minister. If he (Bandi Sanjay) is not dismissed from the union cabinet, the investigation will not proceed properly,” he claimed, news agency PTI reported.His remarks came a day after the Telangana high court refused interim protection from arrest to Bageerath. He was arrested on Saturday night in connection with the case and later remanded to judicial custody by a magistrate.Rama Rao questioned how the accused allegedly remained hidden for nine days and alleged that the minister’s continuation in office could influence the probe. He further claimed that the victim’s parents had faced intimidation and pressure. The BRS leader also accused Telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy of attempting to “dilute the seriousness” of the case.Earlier on Saturday, Telangana Rakshana Sena (TRS) president Kalvakuntla wrote to the Prime Minister seeking Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s removal from the cabinet until the investigation concludes. In her letter, Kavitha said the minister’s continuation in office created “an unavoidable conflict of interest”. She added that such a move would reinforce public confidence that institutional integrity and the pursuit of justice for minors remain paramount above all political considerations.The case was registered on May 8 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act based on a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who alleged that Bageerath had sexually harassed her daughter. After recording the victim’s statement, police invoked stricter sections of the POCSO Act. Bageerath also filed a counter-complaint, following which a separate FIR was registered.