Mohan Babu, charged with attempted murder after assaulting journalist, apologizes
What's the story
Veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu has apologized to a video journalist he allegedly assaulted outside his Hyderabad residence earlier this week.
The incident took place amid a family dispute involving the actor and his younger son Manoj Manchu.
In his apology, shared on social media on Friday, Babu expressed deep regret over the incident and clarified that he had been hospitalized for health reasons, which delayed his apology.
Legal proceedings
Babu's apology followed charges of attempted murder
Babu's apology came after the case against him was slapped with an attempted murder charge.
The 35-year-old journalist had lodged a complaint under Section 118 (1) (voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons or substances) of the BNS at Pahadishareef Police Station.
"Based on the detailed statement of the journalist, the section (in the case) has been altered to Section 109 (attempt to murder) of BNS," a senior police official confirmed on Thursday.
Incident details
Journalist alleged unprovoked attack by Babu
The journalist, identified as M Ranjith, had gone to Babu's Jalpally residence on Tuesday to report on the ongoing feud between the actor and his son.
In his complaint, Ranjith said Babu confronted him and other journalists aggressively.
He alleged the actor grabbed the microphone, used "abusive and foul language," and "attacked" him with it, injuring his head.
The journalist claimed the attack was unprovoked and asked police to take appropriate legal action against Babu.
Actor's explanation
Babu clarified circumstances leading to journalist's assault
In his apology, Babu explained that 30-50 people, including "anti-social elements," had barged into his home during the incident.
This caused him to lose composure and injure the journalist "in the heat of the moment."
He said the media got inadvertently involved in the situation, leading to a deeply regrettable outcome.
After his discharge from hospital on Thursday, Babu released an audio clip addressing the controversy and reiterated that he never intended to harm Ranjith.
Ongoing investigation
Babu and sons summoned by police over family dispute
Meanwhile, Babu and his sons Vishnu and Manoj have been served notices under Section 126 BNS.
They have been asked to appear before Rachakonda Commissioner of Police G Sudheer Babu, acting as Additional District Magistrate, over the ongoing family dispute and case registration.
The family dispute came to light on December 9 when Babu filed a police complaint accusing his younger son and actor Manoj and his wife of scheming to forcibly take control of his Jalpally residence through intimidation.