The Telangana High Court on Thursday granted regular bail to Bandi Sai Bageerath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in a criminal case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Justice K. Sujana observed that the accused had remained in judicial custody for 55 days and that the investigation had substantially concluded, with only the filing of the charge sheet remaining.
Taking note of the State’s submission that the probe was nearing completion, the Court held that continued incarceration was not warranted at this stage. It further noted that concerns regarding possible witness intimidation or interference could be effectively addressed by imposing rigorous bail conditions.
As part of the bail order, the Court directed Bageerath to refrain from contacting or communicating with the victim, the complainant, or any prosecution witness, either directly or indirectly. He has also been prohibited from attempting to influence them in any manner.
The Court additionally barred him from entering the victim’s neighbourhood or visiting her educational institution, residence, workplace, or any other location she or the complainant is known to frequent.
In a significant restriction, the High Court prohibited the accused from making any public comments about the case. He has been directed not to issue interviews, press statements, podcasts, media briefings, or post comments on social media concerning the allegations, the victim, the complainant, or the witnesses until the conclusion of the trial.
The criminal case was registered on May 8 following a complaint lodged by the mother of a girl alleging sexual assault. Bageerath was arrested later that month and has since been lodged in Cherlapally Central Prison.
Prior to his arrest, he had approached the High Court seeking protection from coercive action. His legal team argued that there was uncertainty regarding the complainant’s age and questioned the applicability of the POCSO Act, while also asserting that the relationship between the two was consensual.
The State and the complainant opposed the plea, contending that the girl was a minor and that the allegations warranted custodial investigation. On May 15, the High Court declined to grant interim protection from arrest after considering the material placed before it.
Following that order, Bageerath surrendered before the investigating authorities. He was later granted temporary bail for one week to appear in his BBA supplementary examinations before returning to custody.
With the present order, the High Court has allowed his release on bail while making it clear that he must strictly comply with the conditions imposed during the pendency of the trial.
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