Mohan Babu's Shocking Assault: Actor Faces Legal Heat After Unexpected Journalist Attack!

The incident occurred when journalist M. Ranjith, along with colleagues from various TV networks, visited Mohan Babu's home to report on a familial dispute involving him and his younger son, Manchu Manoj.

P24 News Media

December 12, 2024

1 minute

Mohan Babu's Shocking Assault: Actor Faces Legal Heat After Unexpected Journalist Attack!

India

In a recent development in Hyderabad, the local police initiated legal proceedings against the esteemed Telugu film actor and former member of the Rajya Sabha, Manchu Mohan Babu. The charges stem from an incident involving a 35-year-old journalist associated with a regional television network, who was reportedly assaulted at Babu's residence located in Jalpally village, on the outskirts of the city in Rangareddy district.

The confrontation unfolded on a Tuesday night, as journalist M. Ranjith and a group of reporters from various news channels arrived at Mohan Babu’s home to report on an ongoing familial dispute between him and his younger son, Manchu Manoj. According to sub-inspector B. Dayakar Reddy from the Pahadi Shareef police station, chaos ensued when Manoj, accompanied by several supporters, intruded into his father's residence. The journalists, eager to cover the unfolding drama, followed closely behind.

An altercation quickly erupted between Mohan Babu and his son. Security personnel employed at the actor’s home intervened, attempting to separate the two. However, as the reporters sought clarification from Mohan Babu regarding the unfolding situation, he reportedly lost his temper. In a shocking turn of events, he allegedly snatched the microphone from Ranjith and struck him on the head with a steel pipe and the metallic emblem of the channel, leading to significant bleeding. As described by the sub-inspector, the bouncers present at the location then forced the reporters to leave the premises.

Ranjith contended that the attack was unwarranted and has since requested that the authorities take the necessary legal measures against Mohan Babu. Acting on this complaint, the Pahadi Shareef police have filed a case against the veteran actor, citing Section 118(1) of the BNS, which pertains to the willful infliction of harm using hazardous tools or substances.

The media community quickly rallied in response to the incident, with protests erupting as journalists demanded an apology from Mohan Babu and called for stringent punitive measures against him. In a parallel development, it was reported that Mohan Babu had been admitted to a corporate hospital in Nanakramguda, seeking treatment for injuries sustained during the scuffle with his son and his associates.

Manchu Vishnu, the elder son of Mohan Babu, recently returned from the United States upon learning about the family’s contentious situation. Speaking to reporters, he conveyed that his father is experiencing considerable shock and emotional turmoil due to the troubling events. He defended Mohan Babu, suggesting that the act against the journalist was not premeditated but rather occurred in a moment of anger. Vishnu further emphasized that their family holds strong values and expressed intentions to reach out to the journalist’s family and provide assistance.

Meanwhile, Rachakonda police commissioner P. Sudhir Babu issued a notice to Mohan Babu and his two sons under Section 126 BNSS to appear before law enforcement for a potential breach of peace. The commissioner’s directives included submitting a surety bond of ₹1 lakh each, coupled with a commitment that they would abstain from any further disputes for the upcoming year. Additionally, the order mentioned the confiscation of two firearms licensed to Mohan Babu.

In a subsequent development, Manoj complied with the commissioner’s request by appearing in person and submitting the required bond. Conversely, Mohan Babu and Vishnu approached the state high court, filing a lunch motion petition to contest the notices issued by the police. The legal representatives for Mohan Babu argued that disturbances had been instigated by the bouncers brought into their residence and highlighted that the media was sensationalizing private family matters. They noted that a request for police protection for Mohan Babu had previously been declined.

Justice B. Vijay Sen Reddy, who presided over the hearing related to this petition, ruled in favor of Mohan Babu by putting a hold on the notices from the Rachakonda police. He granted the actor relief from appearing for questioning until March 24 and instructed law enforcement to keep a watchful eye on the situation leading up to the next court date.