POCSO Case Against Telangana Basketball Official Over Harassment of Teenage Player

A senior office-bearer of the Telangana Basketball Association is facing allegations of sexually coloured remarks, obscene gestures, and casteist slurs against a 16-year-old basketball player. The police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The accused, Prudhveeshwar (Prithvishwar) Reddy, serves as the general secretary of the association. According to a complaint filed by the teenager's mother, the alleged incidents took place over a period of two years during basketball tournaments in the city and other parts of Telangana.

The first incident was reported on February 18, 2024, during a private institutions basketball tournament at the Zilla Parishad School Ground in Utnoor. The complainant alleged that the official made inappropriate remarks about the girl's body. A similar incident allegedly occurred on December 21, 2025, at DBA Academy in Madhapur. On June 7, during another tournament, the accused reportedly questioned the girl's participation, demanded documents, and humiliated her.

The complainant further alleged that the accused repeatedly used caste-related derogatory remarks and abusive language against the minor at various tournaments. These allegations have been recorded in the FIR, which was initially filed as a zero FIR on June 24. The case was later transferred to another police station and re-registered on July 24.

The case has been registered under Section 75(1)(iv) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with sexually coloured remarks, along with provisions of the POCSO Act. Madhapur police have confirmed that the accused has been issued a notice and his statement has been recorded in accordance with legal procedure.

Investigators are currently collecting evidence and examining the allegations. Further legal action will be based on the findings of the investigation. The accused has not been arrested, and the legal principle of presumption of innocence applies unless proven otherwise. The Telangana Basketball Association has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.

This case highlights the importance of safeguarding minors in sports environments and ensuring that complaints of harassment are dealt with through due process. The authorities are expected to complete the investigation in a timely manner while respecting the rights of all parties involved.