Police in Cyberabad on Saturday (May 16, 2026) searched Bandi Sai Bhageerath Maitri’s residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad after the Telangana High Court rejected his anti-arrest bail plea. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
A day after the Telangana High Court rejected Bandi Bageerath’s anticipatory bail plea in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenders (POCSO) case registered against him, teams of the Cyberabad Police on Saturday (May 16, 2026) conducted searches at residences associated with the accused in Hyderabad and Karimnagar to track him down and intensify efforts. The Cyberabad police also issued a notice circular to prevent the accused from fleeing the country.
According to Kukatpally Zone DCP Ritiraj, five police teams were conducting physical checks at the residence of Maitri in Banjara Hills and the residence of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar in Karimnagar in connection with the ongoing search operation.
Meanwhile, surveillance and technical teams continue to analyze location coordinates, digital traces and other electronic data linked to the accused’s whereabouts.
A large number of police officials were seen outside the residence along with the Union Minister’s security personnel. Police officials said that after the arrest, the accused will undergo a mandatory medical examination before being produced before the court for remand. Arrest formalities will be done at Petbasheerabad police station.
Investigators also said there had been discussions about the accused surrendering to police, although no official confirmation had been made as of Saturday afternoon.
The accused is yet to appear before the Petbasheerabad police despite being issued notices and later sought another two days after missing his first scheduled appearance on May 13.
A case was registered on May 8 at the Petbasheerabad police station under the provisions of the POCSO Act on a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl who accused Bageerath of sexually assaulting and emotionally manipulating her daughter over a period of several months.
Published – 16 May 2026 15:32 IST
