Veteran Telugu actor and educationist Manchu Mohan Babu faced a significant legal setback on Tuesday as the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed his interlocutory petition seeking protection from arrest. The case involves the alleged kidnapping of student union leaders who were reportedly planning a protest against high fee collections at Mohan Babu University (MBU) in Tirupati. The court clarified that it cannot grant interim relief at this stage, as crucial evidence, including the analysis of phone calls and messages, is currently being processed by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
The controversy began when student leaders, who had called for a dharna at the Tirupati Collectorate, were allegedly abducted. Following a complaint, special police teams intercepted a vehicle near Bheemavaram and rescued the leaders. The kidnappers were later identified as bouncers employed by Mohan Babu’s educational institution. Consequently, the Tiruchanur police registered a case against the actor, prompting him to approach the High Court to quash the FIR or at least provide immunity from immediate police action.
During the proceedings, Mohan Babu’s legal counsel argued that the actor had no involvement in the incident and was in Hyderabad at the time, providing boarding pass details as proof of his travel to Tirupati only after the event occurred. They claimed that the case was a conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the university. However, the High Court bench remained firm, stating that a detailed report from the forensic experts is essential before any stay can be granted. The main quash petition has now been posted for its next hearing on March 3, 2026.
