Union Minister and BJP MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son, Bandi Bhageerath Sai, was arrested in Telangana on Saturday in connection with an alleged sexual assault case involving a minor, shortly after the Telangana High Court declined to grant him interim protection from arrest.

The 25-year-old has been booked under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following allegations made by a 17-year-old girl, who accused him of harassment and sexual assault.

In a statement posted on X, Bandi Sanjay Kumar said his son had appeared before the Telangana Police through legal representatives and that the family would cooperate fully with the investigation.

“Whether it is my own son or a common citizen, everyone is equal before the law,” the minister said, adding that his son has denied all allegations and believes he has committed no wrongdoing.

The minister further stated that although legal proceedings are ongoing and court orders are expected next week, he chose not to seek any delay in the investigation process.

He also expressed faith in the judiciary and said justice would prevail through due process.

During a late-night hearing on Friday, the Telangana High Court refused to pass any interim order protecting Sai from arrest.

His counsel argued that the complainant’s mother had acknowledged that her daughter and Sai were in a consensual relationship last year. However, the plea was opposed by the survivor’s lawyer.

Justice T Madhavi Devi observed that the court was not inclined to grant interim relief at this stage.

Meanwhile, Sai has alleged that the case is part of a “honey-trap and extortion attempt”. He claimed he had earlier approached the police, accusing the girl and her parents of pressuring him into marriage and demanding ₹5 crore.

Bandi Sanjay Kumar had also dismissed the allegations earlier, describing them as “false propaganda” allegedly spread by political opponents.