Bandi Sai Bageerath continues to remain in judicial custody

Three weeks after his arrest in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Bandi Sai Bageerath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, continues to remain in judicial custody as investigators move towards filing a chargesheet.

Bageerath was arrested by Petbasheerabad police on May 16 following allegations that he sexually assaulted and emotionally manipulated a 17-year-old girl over several months. The case was registered on May 8 based on a complaint lodged by the girl’s mother.

Investigators said they have completed the collection of evidence, including of electronic devices and digital records linked to the case, and are now awaiting forensic examination reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

A senior official associated with the investigation said all electronic evidence has been sent for analysis and that most procedural aspects of the probe have been completed.

“The FSL report is taking time. We have completed other formalities, including collection of records and documents, crime scene reconstruction during the accused’s two-day police custody and necessary questioning to ascertain the facts. Once the forensic report is received, we will proceed with filing the chargesheet,” the official said.

Police said the victim’s statement has also been recorded as part of the investigation.

Following his arrest, Bageerath was lodged in Cherlapally Central Jail.

During the two-day police custody, he was taken to Aranya House in Moinabad, where a Special Investigation Team carried out crime scene reconstruction and further questioning. Police teams also verified booking records, examined CCTV footage, analysed digital and payment trails and questioned staff members and friends of the accused present at locations connected to the case.

The officials also examined IP-related information to corroborate locations and timelines mentioned in the victim’s statement.

According to police officials, the accused cooperated with the investigation, including the scene reconstruction exercise, and has confessed to the offence.