Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan urges effective implementation of POCSO Act

Published 15 July 2026 · politics

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan wrote letters to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad seeking effective

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan wrote letters to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad seeking effective implementation of the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, expressing concern over the emerging tendency of accused persons in POCSO cases, or their associates, threatening, intimidating or physically harming victims and their families. The recent incident in Shabad Mandal in Rangareddy district of Telangana, in which an accused under the POCSO Act allegedly murdered six persons, including the minor victim, after being released on bail / personal bond, warranted steps that would ensure the implementation of the POCSO Act in letter and spirit.

Since the Shabad murders serve as a warning of the likelihood of similar crimes happening in Andhra Pradesh, a robust victim-centric mechanism should be created for protection of the victims and their families. Pawan Kalyan stated that the investigating officers must undergo mandatory specialised training on child-sensitive investigation, statement recording, forensic and digital evidence collection and coordination with medical experts, as well-trained officers would secure better evidence and reduce secondary trauma to child victims. Then the medical examination of the victims must be conducted within 24 hours by qualified doctors (preferably females / pediatricians) using SAFE kits and strict chain of custody, tamper-evident sealing, prompt FSL/DNA follow-ups with escalation for delays, and contemporaneous scene documentation (photo/video) should be made mandatory.

Further, he said investigations and filing of charge sheets must be completed within statutory timelines (target 60 days for straightforward cases and 90 days for complex ones) and the District SPs and Range IGs should conduct monthly reviews of all pending POCSO cases. In every POCSO case, the IO must submit a detailed bail report covering allegation gravity, child vulnerability, accused antecedents and specific threat assessment. Bail pleas should be strongly opposed, and every such case must have a victim protection plan, he said. Suggesting other measures, Mr. Pawan Kalyan stated that the protection of children from sexual offences cannot be treated as a matter of routine administration and every complaint should receive immediate and sensitive attention, the investigations must be thorough and time-bound, and the victims assured of protection and support.