Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has sought an explanation from BJP Telangana president N. Ramchander Rao over what it described as the party’s alleged failure to condemn the POCSO case involving Bandi Bhageerath.

BRS General Secretary R.S. Praveen Kumar reacted to Ramchander Rao’s criticism that the BRS was maintaining silence over the controversy involving MIM MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig. Praveen Kumar urged the BJP leader to avoid making what he termed “reckless statements” and questioned the BJP’s response to the two cases.

Praveen Kumar asked why Ramchander Rao did not participate in statewide protests when a minor girl was allegedly raped by the son of a BJP Union Minister and why he did not demand the Union Minister’s resignation.

Referring to the Rahmath Baig case, Praveen Kumar said the alleged victim had not filed a complaint. He said MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, after learning about the matter, directed the MLC to resign and suspended him from the party.

Praveen Kumar further said that if Owaisi had videos or information concerning the alleged victim, the matter should immediately be brought before the local police or the Director General of Police so that an investigation could be conducted and justice ensured.

He also referred to a complaint filed by Rahmath Baig alleging that deepfake videos were created to spread false propaganda against him. In contrast, Praveen Kumar said, a complaint had been lodged by the victim in the Bandi Bhageerath case.

According to Praveen Kumar, the victim in the latter case allegedly faced threats, accusations of being involved in a “honey trap” and mental harassment, but still approached the authorities. He claimed that the BRS supported the victim and continued its efforts until the case was booked under more serious sections and the accused was sent to jail.

Praveen Kumar questioned why Ramchander Rao had not addressed the issue involving Bandi Sanjay at the BJP state office and alleged that no woman leader from the party had spoken on the matter.

He also accused the BJP of having previously faced criticism over its handling of cases involving crimes against women, referring to the Bilkis Bano and Unnao cases.

Praveen Kumar demanded that Bandi Sanjay and Sangappa be suspended, saying only then would it be appropriate for Ramchander Rao to comment on the BRS. He reiterated that the BRS condemned atrocities against girls and women and called for action based on the facts of each case.