Hyderabad

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) defended the ongoing investigation into the alleged POCSO case against the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar and accused the BJP of attempting to politicise and give a caste colour to a criminal issue concerning a minor girl.

In a statement on Tuesday, TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud said that the Congress believed that neither the caste background nor the social standing of the accused or the complainant has any relevance in cases related to the protection of minors.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Bandi Sanjay Kumar is trying to introduce a caste narrative into a serious criminal matter and portray himself and his family as victims on that basis,” he said, adding that the case pertains purely to allegations under criminal law and that the legal process is being carried out in accordance with due procedure.

The Congress chief also criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to dilute the seriousness of allegations while simultaneously campaigning on slogans related to women’s safety and “Nari Shakti.”

Mr. Goud referred to reports claiming that the family of the minor girl had been subjected to threats and intimidation. He said that if such allegations are substantiated, strict legal action would be initiated against those responsible.

“The Congress Party has always stood by the weak. This time too, the party will stand by the minor girl irrespective of the offender’s background,” he said.