Veteran Actor Mohan Babu Visits Injured Journalist After Assault Incident, Says ‘I Sincerely Apologise’ – News18

Last Updated:December 16, 2024, 10:59 IST

Veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu, accused of assaulting a TV9 journalist during a family dispute, has personally apologized to the injured reporter and his family at a Hyderabad hospital.

Veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu, who was recently accused of assaulting a video journalist during a heated altercation, visited the victim at a Hyderabad hospital on Sunday to personally apologize to him and his family. The incident, which occurred on December 10 at the actor’s Jalpally residence, has sparked widespread attention and criticism.

The journalist, Muppidi Ranjith Kumar from TV9, sustained serious injuries, including fractures to his zygomatic bone, during the confrontation. He is currently undergoing treatment at Yashoda Hospital. Speaking to PTI, Mr. Kumar confirmed the actor’s apology, stating, “He offered an apology to me, my family, and the entire journalist fraternity.” He also mentioned that Mr. Babu promised to visit him at home after his recovery.

According to the journalist’s complaint, the incident occurred while he and other reporters were covering an ongoing dispute between Mr. Babu and his younger son Manoj. The actor allegedly confronted the media aggressively, grabbed a microphone, and used abusive language before striking Mr. Kumar, resulting in a head injury.

The assault prompted protests from journalist associations in Hyderabad, demanding stricter protections for media personnel. On December 13, Mr. Babu issued a formal public apology, expressing deep regret for the incident.

In his statement, Mr. Babu explained that the altercation escalated during a chaotic situation where 30 to 50 “anti-social elements” allegedly barged into his home with the intent to harm him. “Amidst this chaos, the media inadvertently became entangled in the situation. In the process of managing the commotion, one of your journalists was unfortunately injured. I deeply regret the pain and inconvenience caused to him, his family, and the TV9 community,” he stated.

Mr. Babu acknowledged losing his composure in the heat of the moment and extended a heartfelt apology to the journalist and the media fraternity.

Based on the journalist’s statement, Hyderabad police have registered a case against Mr. Babu under Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case remains under investigation.