Amidst this personal crisis, the minister thanked the immense love and support extended by lakhs of people across the country. He acknowledged the support from BJP karyakartas, leaders, supporters, friends, and media members who stood by the family. Sanjay Kumar noted that support came from remote villages to cities, spanning all age groups. He expressed gratitude to those who believed in fairness and justice, even under immense pressure. The minister admitted that he never realized he had earned so much goodwill over the years, calling their affection his greatest strength. He reaffirmed his family’s complete faith in the legal process and the judiciary. He expressed confidence that the truth would prevail and that they would continue to fight the case legally. He appealed to BJP workers not to be emotionally distracted and to continue strengthening the party in Telangana. He concluded that his family would face this difficult phase with courage, patience, and faith.

The development occurred a day after the Telangana High Court declined to grant Bhageerath interim protection from arrest. Justice T Madhava Devi heard the matter until nearly midnight and indicated that orders would be issued on the next vacation court day. Bhageerath’s counsel had sought interim protection from arrest until the orders were pronounced. The case against Bhageerath was registered on May 8 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). This registration followed a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl. The complainant alleged that Bhageerath was in a relationship with her daughter and had sexually harassed the minor. After the victim’s statement was recorded, more stringent provisions of the POCSO Act were invoked in the case.

Bhageerath has filed a counter-complaint with the police in Karimnagar, alleging that the girl had invited him to family functions and group gatherings. An FIR was subsequently registered on his complaint. In his complaint, Bhageerath stated that he accompanied the family on visits to holy places as part of a group of friends, believing them to be trustworthy. He alleged that the girl and her parents later pressured him to marry her. When he refused, they allegedly demanded money and threatened to file false complaints if he failed to pay. Bhageerath claimed that, out of fear, he paid Rs 50,000 to the girl’s father. However, he alleged that the family later demanded Rs 5 crore. He also stated that they threatened that the girl’s mother would die by suicide if he did not meet their demands.

Political Fallout in Telangana Amid Legal Battles

The conflicting accounts between the minister and the police highlight the complex intersection of political influence and legal procedures in high-profile cases. As the legal process continues, the BJP will likely monitor the situation closely to manage public perception. The minister’s appeal for unity among workers suggests the party aims to mitigate potential damage to its reputation in Telangana. The upcoming court orders will be critical in determining the next legal steps for Bhageerath. If the courts proceed with the prosecution, it could set a precedent for how such cases involving political families are handled. The extensive public support cited by the minister indicates a strong base that may remain loyal despite the controversy. However, the legal outcomes will ultimately define the long-term impact on both the family and the political landscape.