Rachakonda Police have filed an attempt to murder case against veteran Tollywood actor Mohan Babu following an incident in which he allegedly attacked a television journalist at his residence. Initially, the police had registered a case under Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 118 (1) for causing hurt with dangerous weapons, but after consulting legal experts, Section 109 (attempt to murder) was added to the First Information Report (FIR).
The FIR was filed based on a complaint by M. Satyanarayana, a reporter for Telangana news channel TV9, who was attacked by Mohan Babu during an attempt to cover an ongoing family dispute between the actor and his son, Manchu Manoj. Journalists had protested the attack, demanding an attempt to murder charge against the actor and an apology.
Mohan Babu, who was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday night due to high blood pressure and anxiety, failed to appear before the Rachakonda Police Commissioner. However, the Telangana High Court granted him exemption from appearance until December 24.
Manchu Vishnu, Mohan Babu’s elder son, expressed regret over the incident, stating that it was unintentional. He clarified that when the microphone was placed near his father’s mouth, he attacked the reporter impulsively. Vishnu also offered support to the journalist’s family. Meanwhile, Manchu Manoj, currently involved in a dispute with his father, apologized to the media on behalf of Mohan Babu, stating that the attack occurred during a tense moment when journalists were supporting him.
According to the injured journalist, when he and other journalists entered Mohan Babu’s house at the invitation of Manchu Manoj, the actor reacted aggressively, using foul language, grabbing the microphone, and striking the reporter, causing severe head injuries. The reporter was hospitalized with fractures to his cheekbone and requires plastic surgery.
