Fresh legal twist in the Bandi Bageerath POCSO case as defence challenges victim’s minor status in Telangana High Court citing conflicting records.

The POCSO case involving Bandi Bageerath has taken a significant legal turn after the defence questioned the complainant’s claim of being a minor before the Telangana High Court.

During proceedings related to an interim bail petition, the defence counsel argued that conflicting birth records raise doubts over the victim’s age. According to submissions made before the court, two separate birth certificates reportedly mention different years of birth and different hospitals as the place of delivery.

The defence also cited a 2021 rash driving case in which the complainant’s age was allegedly recorded as 15. Based on that entry, the counsel argued that she would legally be considered an adult in 2026, potentially affecting the applicability of provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The matter is expected to be heard urgently by the vacation bench of the Telangana High Court.

Meanwhile, Bageerath did not appear before the Special Investigation Team on May 13 and instead sought additional time to submit documents and cooperate with the probe. In his communication to investigators, he maintained that the allegations against him and his family were false.

The case has intensified political debate in Telangana, especially after police reportedly altered the charges from sexual harassment to aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO Act, a serious non-bailable offence carrying stringent punishment.

The controversy also highlights the importance of documentary consistency in sensitive criminal cases. Legal experts often note that age verification becomes a crucial factor in POCSO matters, as even minor discrepancies in records can significantly influence the course of investigation and trial.