Telugu film actor Mohan Babu has been granted anticipatory bail by the Supreme Court in a case involving an alleged attack on a TV journalist. The court’s decision follows an interim stay on his arrest, which was granted on January 9.
Mohan Babu, known by his stage name Manchu Bhaktavatsalam Naidu, is a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry and has appeared in over 500 films. He was honored with the Padma Shri for his contributions to cinema and has also served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. He faces charges related to an alleged attack on a TV journalist.
What was the journalist attack incident involving Mohan Babu?
The incident stems from an ongoing property dispute between Mohan Babu and his younger son, Manoj. On December 10, 2024, a group of 50-60 individuals, allegedly brought by Manoj, reportedly forced their way into the actor’s Hyderabad residence. During the scuffle, a journalist present at the scene sustained injuries, including a broken jaw, as per the medical report.
Hyderabad police have filed a case against Mohan Babu for attempted murder. The Telangana High Court had previously rejected his request for anticipatory bail.
In the Supreme Court, Mohan Babu argued that he had personally apologized to the injured journalist and offered compensation for the harm caused. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation and asserted that his arrest was unnecessary. The court accepted these arguments and granted him anticipatory bail.
Mohan Babu issues public apology
In his apology letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mohan Babu expressed regret for the unfortunate events, saying, “It deeply pains me that what began as a family dispute escalated into a situation affecting not just the TV9 family but the wider journalist community as well."
The actor further explained his actions, stating, “During the chaos when 30-50 individuals, including anti-social elements, forcibly entered my house with harmful intent, I lost my composure. In the confusion, the media got inadvertently caught up in the situation. Unfortunately, Mr. Ranjith, one of your journalists, was injured in the process. I deeply regret the incident and the distress it caused him, his family, and the TV9 team.”