Lookout Notices Issued Against Bandi Bhagirath in POCSO Case
Police intensified the search for Bandi Bhagirath in a POCSO case by issuing lookout notices, alerting airports and deploying four special teams across multiple cities.
Police have stepped up efforts to trace Bandi Bhagirath after registering a POCSO case linked to allegations involving a minor girl. Authorities issued lookout notices to prevent him from leaving the country and launched an extensive search operation across several locations.
As part of the investigation, immigration authorities and airports across India have been alerted to stop the accused if he attempts to travel abroad. Police officials said four special teams working under SIT supervision are currently searching for him in Hyderabad, Karimnagar and New Delhi.
The developments came as Bhagirath also faced a setback in the Telangana High Court, where he sought anticipatory bail and interim protection from arrest. After a lengthy late night hearing, the court declined to grant immediate relief and postponed further orders to next week.
During the hearing, the prosecution informed the court that investigators had collected preliminary evidence and statements from the victim. Justice T Madhavi Devi reportedly observed that the case did not warrant anticipatory bail or temporary protection at this stage of investigation.
Bhagirath’s legal team argued before the court that strict POCSO sections were allegedly added due to political reasons and claimed the matter involved a consensual relationship. However, the prosecution strongly opposed those claims and stated that official GHMC birth records clearly confirmed that the victim was a minor under the law.
Government lawyers also informed the court that additional sections were added only after recording the victim’s statement before a magistrate. Investigators maintained that the seriousness of the allegations required a detailed inquiry and immediate police action.
Meanwhile, the victim’s lawyer alleged that the family was facing pressure and threats due to the political influence of the accused’s family background. The court also reportedly expressed concern over objectionable social media campaigns related to the sensitive case.
With the High Court refusing immediate protection and police intensifying the search operation, officials indicated that Bhagirath could be taken into custody at any moment if traced.
