Veteran Tollywood actor Mohan Babu, who runs a private university in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, suffered a setback in the high court on Wednesday after his petition seeking protection from arrest was dismissed.
The case pertains to allegations that student union leaders protesting against a fee hike at Mohan Babu University were allegedly kidnapped and assaulted.
The high court rejected Mohan Babu’s petition, which sought directions to restrain the police from arresting him in connection with the case.
Last month, student union leaders staged protests outside the university in Tirupati, accusing the management of imposing unjustified fee hikes.
During the agitation, there were allegations that university bouncers forcibly abducted the protesting student leaders. The incident sparked widespread criticism and controversy.
According to reports, the detained student leaders were released only after intervention by external individuals.
Tirupati police subsequently registered a case and launched an investigation into the allegations.
According to police claims, Mohan Babu allegedly instructed his public relations officer Satish to orchestrate the abduction of the protesting student leaders.
Investigators also cited messages purportedly sent in connection with the incident as part of the evidence being examined.
As police prepared to take further action, Mohan Babu approached the high court seeking protection from arrest. Justice Venkata Jyothirmayi, who heard the petition, refused to grant relief and dismissed the plea.
The court has decided to conduct a detailed hearing on the matter and adjourned further proceedings to March 3.