Heated Arguments in the High Court in the Bandi Bhagirath Case

Heated arguments were heard in the High Court during the hearing of the case involving Bandi Bhagirath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay. Senior advocate Niranjan Reddy, appearing for the defence, argued that the victim is not a minor and that the POCSO Act does not apply in this case. He stated that in a previous case, the police themselves filed a charge sheet mentioning a date of birth that proves the victim is a major. He further pointed out that there are two different date of birth certificates for the victim, raising questions about their authenticity and leaving it to the court to determine the correct one.

The defence also claimed to possess additional evidence to prove Bhagirath’s innocence and sought permission to submit it in a sealed cover. Niranjan Reddy alleged that Bhagirath has been targeted through defamatory campaigns, including posters and social media, due to his father’s political position. He argued that media trials are influencing public perception even before the police complete their investigation. The counsel requested interim protection, assuring full cooperation with the investigation. The High Court adjourned the interim protection plea for orders and postponed the anticipatory bail hearing to next week.