Hyderabad, May 11 (IANS) Telangana’s minister for transport and backward classes welfare, Ponnam Prabhakar, on Monday asked Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar to cooperate in the investigation into the allegations against his son Bandi Bhagiratha, against whom a POCSO case has been registered.

The minister clarified that the state government is not acting with any vendetta against Bandi Sanjay’s son.

The state minister stated that as the Union Minister, Bandi Sanjay should have been the first to seek a fair and transparent inquiry into the allegations made against his son.

Prabhakar said instead of claiming there is a conspiracy against him and trying to gain sympathy, he should cooperate with the investigation.

“The questions are simple: Did the girl meet you or not? Was your son in contact with the girl or not? These are the facts that must be established,” Ponnam Prabhakar said in a statement.

“Before making political accusations, you must first prove your innocence. As the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, you should set an example by allowing the law to take its own course. The Telangana government has no discrimination against anyone. It is the responsibility of the government to protect the daughters of Telangana. In such matters, the Telangana government stands firmly with the victim and will ensure that the women and girls of Telangana feel protected and reassured,” said Prabhakar.

The state minister said that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has spoken to the DGP and ordered a thorough inquiry. The investigation is being conducted by a woman DCP officer.

“No matter how powerful they may be, those found guilty cannot escape the law. The Chief Minister has personally directed the DGP to ensure that the investigation is impartial and free from any external pressure. There will be no political interference and no deviation during the inquiry. If any wrongdoing has taken place, strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.

Minister Prabhakar said that bringing BC politics into this issue is neither appropriate nor necessary.

“If anyone uses power or influence to obstruct the investigation, democracy will not tolerate it. Whenever such allegations arise and personal credibility comes into question, one should step forward and seek a fair inquiry. As directed by the Chief Minister, the police have been instructed to conduct a complete and impartial investigation so that the guilty are identified and punished strictly in accordance with the law,” he added.

–IANS

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