HC gives exemption to Mohan Babu, Vishnu from appearance before Rachakonda police till Dec. 24

HYDERABAD

The Telangana High Court, on Wednesday, exempted septuagenarian actor Manchu Mohan Babu and his son Manchu Vishnu from appearance before Rachakonda police, who issued notices to them under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, till December 24.

Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy also directed the police to keep an eye at the residence of Mr. Mohan Babu at Jalpally, under Pahadisharif police station limits, by sending patrol teams at regular intervals.

The order was passed after hearing a writ petition filed by the actor and his son seeking to set aside the notices issued by the police in connection with a case registered against them based on a complaint lodged by the actor’s second son Manchu Manoj. The latter was made the eighth respondent in the writ petition filed by way of lunch motion.

The father and son, in their plea, stated that Mr. Manchu Manoj “had an estranged relationship” with them and “had only re-joined” Mohan Babu at the latter’s residence recently. According to them, on December 8, a battalion of anti-social elements and bouncers came to the house asking them to vacate and hand over its possession.

This was orchestrated by Mr. Manchu Manoj and his wife Mounika Reddy having borne grudges and to usurp the property, they said in the petition. Mr. Manchu Manoj and his henchmen injured Mr. Mohan Babu’s staff and damaged the property. The attack came to an end after a “lethargic response” of the police. Several oral requests for security were made in the backdrop of the violence but the police did not deploy any forces, they added.

The next day, Mr. Mohan Babu noticed some strangers outside his house while he was heading to his office. He was told that Mr. Manchu Manoj was behind them, attempting to take over the property by taking advantage of lack of adequate police force.

Fearing for his life and safety of his valuables and property, Mr. Mohan Babu lodged a complaint with the Rachakonda Police Commissioner.

Despite specifically mentioning Mr. Manchu Manoj’s name in the complaint, police issued a First Information Report based on a complaint given by the former, they claimed. The police ‘half-heartedly’ issued a second FIR following a complaint from the petitioners, they said.

Earlier, Government Pleader for Home Mahesh Raje said that the writ petition was not maintainable as Rachakonda police had only issued show-cause notice to ascertain facts and take appropriate action. If Mr. Mohan Babu was not well, his son Mr. Vishnu Manchu could have appeared before the police to explain their version. The police had acted impartially in the matter, he said.

Published - December 11, 2024 09:10 pm IST