AP high court declines interim relief to Mohan Babu in student leaders’ kidnap case

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh high court on Tuesday declined to grant interim relief to actor and chancellor of Mohan Babu University, Manchu Mohan Babu, in the case registered against him over alleged kidnap of student union leaders. The court observed that it will take a decision on interim orders only after hearing out the version of victims.Following a complaint lodged by Reddy Kumar, Tiruchanuru police registered a case against Mohan Babu, his son Manchu Vishnu, and others on Feb 3. Mohan Babu moved the high court seeking interim relief from arrest and to quash the case on the grounds that he was in no way connected to the alleged offence.
Arguing on his behalf, N Ashwani Kumar told the court that the petitioner was not in Tirupati on the day of the alleged offence, and travelled to Tirupati from Hyderabad only after coming to know of the incident. He also submitted boarding passes in support of his argument. Ashwani Kumar further stated that Mohan Babu is also trying to know who was behind the alleged kidnapping of student union leaders, while adding that the case was registered with an intention to lower the reputation of the university.Arguing on behalf of the police, assistant public prosecutor Sandeep told the court that prima facie evidence is available with the police regarding the involvement of the petitioner in the alleged offence. He said Mohan Babu was in touch with the university PRO over phone, and police also identified an exchange of messages. There were allegations over the collection of higher fees and not allowing students who could not pay the career development fee to sit the examination. When the student union leaders were going to submit a representation to the district collector, they were intercepted and kidnapped.Sandeep further stated that police responded immediately and traced the student union leaders in the forest area. Injuries were also found on their noses and mouths. Though a notice was given to Manchu Vishnu (Accused No. 3) under BNSS section 179, he did not appear before the police, he stated, and pleaded not to give any interim protection to Mohan Babu.Arguing on behalf of the victim, Reddy Kumar, Nalluri Madhava Rao said the petitioner tried to stifle the voices of those who questioned injustice with brute force. As he sought time to submit his arguments, Justice Venkata Jyothirmayee Pratapa posted the matter for further hearing to Feb 12 and directed the police to submit all details pertaining to the case.