Attempt To Influence; Potential Interference In Investigation: Telangana HC Dismisses Anticipatory Bail Plea Of Actor & Former MP In Alleged Assault Case On Journalist
Justice K Lakshman, Telangana High Court
The Telangana High Court has dismissed the Anticipatory Bail Petition filed by former Member of Parliament and film actor, Mohan Babu, in connection with an alleged assault on a journalist.
The Court noted that prima facie there were serious allegations against Mohan Babu, the Petitioner and his further attempts to influence the investigation warranted the rejection of his Petition under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
A Single Bench of Justice K. Lakshman held, “Admittedly, after the incident, the petitioner fled to Dubai. He also met respondent No.2 in the Hospital on 15.12.2024. Learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner did not dispute the said fact. There is no explanation from the petitioner with regard to the purpose of his meeting respondent No.2. Therefore, this Court is of the considered view that the petitioner tried to influence respondent No.2 at the hospital. Therefore, there is every possibility of the petitioner interfering with the investigation and thereby the Investigating Officer will not be in a position to conduct investigation in the subject crime in a fair and transparent manner. Thus, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. The present petition fails and is liable to be dismissed.”
Senior Advocate L. Ravichander represented the Petitioner, while Additional Public Prosecutor Jithender Rao Veeramalla appeared for the Respondent.
According to the complainant, a journalist, the Petitioner’s son invited him and other reporters for coverage at their farmhouse. During the interaction, the complainant alleged that the Petitioner grabbed a stainless-steel microphone and struck him on the left eye and under the ear, resulting in serious injuries.
Medical records confirmed a zygomatic arch fracture and swelling.
Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under Sections 329(4), 115(2), and 351(2) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). The Petitioner argued that the allegations lacked merit and challenged the applicability of Section 109(1) of the BNS, which the Investigating Officer later added.
The High Court noted that the journalist received “grievous injury” and underwent surgery for the same. “Prima facie, there are serious allegations against the petitioner. Investigation is pending. There is specific allegation against the petitioner that he is trying to influence respondent No.2 with a request to withdraw the present complaint and, thus, he is interfering with the investigation in the subject crime,” it further noted.
Accordingly, the High Court dismissed the Petition.
Cause Title: Manchu Mohan Babu v. The State of Telangana & Anr.
Appearance:
Petitioner: Senior Advocate L. Ravichander; Advocate Mamidi Avinash Reddy
Respondents: Additional Public Prosecutor Jithender Rao Veeramalla; Advocate Enuganti Sudhanshu Rao