Veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu has issued an apology to the journalist he attacked while the latter was covering a property dispute between the actor and his son Manchu Manoj in Hyderabad earlier this week. The actor expressed “deep regret” over the incident which began as a “personal family dispute and spiraled into a larger situation”.

“I am writing this letter to formally address the unfortunate incident that occurred recently and to express my deep regret over the events that transpired. It pains me deeply that what started as a personal family dispute spiraled into a larger situation, causing distress not only to the esteemed TV9 family but also to the broader journalist fraternity,” Mohan Babu said.

Clarifying the situation, Mohan Babu said that he lost his composure in the heat of the moment as 30 to 50 “anti-social elements” forcibly barged into his house. According to him, the “elements” had an intent to harm him.

“Amidst this chaos, the media inadvertently became intertwined in the situation. As I tried to manage the situation, one of your journalists, unfortunately, sustained an injury. This was a deeply regrettable outcome, and I deeply regret the pain and inconvenience caused to him, his family, and the TV9 community. I sincerely apologize for my actions, which have caused pain and distress,” he wrote.

Mohan Babu’s apology comes a day after a case of attempt to murder was filed against him, following a complaint by the 35-year-old journalist.

The father-son duo, on December 10, filed police cases against each other over a property dispute. To cover the incident, several newspersons had reached the veteran actor’s house in Jalapalli at his invitation, the TV reporter said in a complaint. Manchu Manoj too had reached his father’s house at that time and forced his way in after an argument with the bouncers at the gate. During this time, some journalists also entered the house along with Mr Manoj and his private security men.

Shortly afterward, the journalist asked Mohan Babu a question about the dispute. This angered the actor and according to videos, he grabbed the reporter’s microphone and attacked him with it.

The journalist suffered multiple fractures in his cheekbone and needed plastic surgery, officials said.

According to the reporter, Mohan Babu also used abusive language towards him.

The veteran actor was also hospitalised after the incident with complaints of body aches, high blood pressure, and severe neck pain. He was discharged yesterday.

Hyderabad:

An attempt to murder charge was added to the case filed against veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu over his alleged attack on a video journalist here, police said on Thursday.

Following a complaint by the 35-year-old journalist, a case under Section 118 (1) (voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons or substances) of the BNS was earlier registered against the actor at the 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 said.

In his complaint, the journalist stated that when he visited Mohan Babu’s Jalpally residence on December 10 to cover the ongoing dispute between the actor and his younger son Manoj, the senior actor confronted him and other journalists aggressively.

He allegedly grabbed the microphone, used “abusive and foul language,” and “attacked” him with it, causing a head injury, the complainant stated.

The former Rajya Sabha member and his two sons Vishnu and Manoj, were served notices under Section 126 BNSS to appear before the Rachakonda Commissioner of Police G Sudheer Babu, in his capacity as Additional District Magistrate in connection with registration of a case following the family “disputes” of Mohan Babu.

After Mohan Babu and Vishnu approached the Telangana High Court on Wednesday challenging the notices issued to them, the court deferred the notices granting them exemption from appearance till December 24.

Manoj appeared before the police commissioner on Wednesday and his statement was recorded and he submitted a bond of Rs one lakh.

The commissioner suggested that family disputes should be resolved amicably and they should not turn into law and order issues.

Manoj gave a bond, valid for one year, as per the directives of the commissioner, that he will not undertake any actions that will hurt public peace.

Mohan Babu’s elder son Vishnu also appeared before the commissioner on Wednesday evening and informed the official about the court’s orders.

The differences within Mohan Babu’s family became public on December 9 after he filed a police complaint, alleging that Manoj and his wife had “orchestrated” a plan to take possession of his Jalpally home through intimidation and force.

However, Manoj had said that his fight was not for a “share of the property” but for “self-respect and the safety of his wife and children.” Earlier, the police had booked Manoj and others based on Mohan Babu’s complaint. Mohan Babu had also requested police protection to ensure his safety and allow him access to his house without fear.

Additionally, a case was registered based on Manoj’s complaint, alleging that 10 unidentified individuals had entered the home on December 8. Manoj claimed he was injured during a scuffle when he tried to catch them. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)