Veteran Tollywood actor Manchu Mohan Babu is facing the threat of being arrested any time in connection with the assault case against a journalist, as the Telangana high court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition.
Mohan Babu’s lawyer informed the court that the actor is suffering from health issues, including heart, nerve-related problems, and memory loss.
It was also mentioned that Mohan Babu is currently in Tirupati and had recently travelled to Dubai to meet his grandson before returning to manage his educational institutions in Tirupati.
During the hearing, the Additional Public Prosecutor argued against granting anticipatory bail in the assault case. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed Mohan Babu's anticipatory bail petition.
Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu clarified that there was no delay in Mohan Babu's arrest and that all procedures are being followed as per the law.
With the High Court's decision, the Pahadi Shareef police are now preparing to take the next steps in the case.
The case pertains to an incident that occurred on December 10 at Mohan Babu's farmhouse under the jurisdiction of the Pahadi Shareef Police Station.
Mohan Babu allegedly assaulted a journalist who had gone there for news coverage, causing severe injuries.
Consequently, the police registered an attempted murder case against Mohan Babu and issued notices accordingly.
In his petition, Mohan Babu requested the court to grant anticipatory bail and prevent the police from arresting him or proceeding with further investigation. The hearing took place on Monday, presided over by Justice K. Lakshman.
Mohan Babu's lawyer argued that the actor has no acquaintance with the injured journalist and does not even know him.
The lawyer questioned how an attempted murder charge could be made under such circumstances and claimed the police had applied inappropriate sections in the case.
He also argued that family disputes involving Mohan Babu and his son Manchu Manoj were exaggerated by media channels and social media.
On the other hand, the Additional Public Prosecutor contended that the police initially filed the case based on the complaint and later added relevant sections based on the victim's statement.
The prosecutor insisted that Mohan Babu must appear for the investigation and opposed the granting of anticipatory bail.
The actor's lawyer requested the court to instruct the trial court to grant bail on the same day Mohan Babu appears for the hearing, but the High Court rejected this request.
