Attack on journalist: Mohan Babu booked for attempt to murder

Hyderabad: Veteran actor and Padma Shri Manchu Mohan Babu was booked on charges of attempt to murder by Pahadishareef police on Thursday. The senior actor was caught on camera attacking a video journalist when he entered his Jalpally home along with the actor’s younger son, Manchu Manoj, on Tuesday night.

The police have invoked serious sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the actor after taking legal opinion and considering the medical reports of the injured person. The actor was earlier booked under 188 of the BNS Act and following the legal advice they altered the case to 109 (attempt to murder).

On Tuesday night, Manoj tried to force his way into his father’s house. A couple of video journalists followed him inside the gate. A visibly irritated Mohan Babu snatched the reporter's mic and attacked him leaving the journalist with a serious facial injury. The victim is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. Meanwhile, the assault video clip quickly went viral on social media sparking strong criticism from various quarters, especially the media.

Earlier in the day, Kiran, an associate of Manchu Vishnu, was arrested by the Pahadishareef police in connection with the attack on actor Manchu Manoj. The actor had lodged a complaint three days ago, alleging an assault. The police are continuing their search for another accused, Vinay Reddy.