Journalist assault case: SC grants actor Mohan Babu anticipatory bail
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Veteran Telugu actor and former MP Manchu Mohan Babu.
New Delhi: In a major relief for veteran Telugu actor Manchu Mohan Babu, the Supreme Court on Thursday granted him anticipatory bail in connection with the assault of a journalist.
The apex court delivered its verdict on a plea filed by Mohan Babu challenging the Telangana High Court’s order, which had denied him anticipatory bail. The High Court had dismissed his plea on December 23, 2024, despite his request for bail citing health concerns.
The former Member of Parliament was booked for attempt to murder after allegedly attacking a reporter and grabbing his microphone. The journalist sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
The incident took place on December 10 at Mohan Babu's residence in Jalpally, Hyderabad, amid chaos linked to a dispute with his actor son Manchu Manoj. Initially, Rachakonda Police registered a case under Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 118 (1) (causing hurt with dangerous weapons or substances). Later, Section 109 (attempt to murder) was added. The FIR was lodged based on a complaint from reporter M. Satyanarayana.
According to reports, Mohan Babu assaulted the journalist when he arrived at the actor's residence to cover the ongoing family dispute. The actor was admitted to the hospital that night due to high blood pressure and anxiety and was discharged two days later.
Following the incident, Mohan Babu personally apologized to the journalist and his family. On December 15, he, along with his elder son and actor Manchu Vishnu, visited the hospital to meet the injured reporter and assured financial assistance for his treatment.
During the Supreme Court hearing, Mohan Babu’s counsel highlighted his visit to the journalist and his commitment to providing financial aid.
Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court has adjourned the hearing on Mohan Babu’s petition seeking to quash the FIR registered against him at Pahadi Shareef Police Station. His counsel informed the court about the Supreme Court’s decision to grant him anticipatory bail. The High Court scheduled the next hearing for March 4.
With IANS inputs