Hyderabad: Tollywood music director of Gulabi fame, Shashi Preetam, 45, was allegedly assaulted and thrashed by his neighbour on Friday in Madhapur area. Sasi Preetam was injured on his face and he was shifted to hospital for treatment. A complaint was registered in Madhapur police station against the prime accused Bhanu Prasad (50).

According to police officials, Sasi Preetam was attacked by Bhanu when the former was entering his home after getting down the car. Four people have reportedly hit him on the face. An issue over Rural Development Documentary in the year 2013 was said to be the reason.

As per the reports, Preetam and Prasad are neighbours residing in the opposite flats at Kavuri Hills in Madhapur area. They together have produced several documentary and short films. In 2012, the two had made an agreement for making a documentary and Prasad had invested Rs 1.5 lakh in the project. However, due to his ill-health, Prasad later withdrew from the project and gave complete rights to Preetam, for which the latter had to pay him Rs 1.5 lakh.

As Preetam did not pay the amount, the two had had arguments earlier on the issue. Police said that on Friday, an argument broke out between Preetam and Bhanu over a financial issue, which led to Prasad attacking Preetam causing serious injuries on his face. The police have registered a case against Bhanu Prasad u/s 341, 323 and 505 of IPC. Prasad was taken into custody for questioning while Preetam was sent for medical examination

Sasi happens to be a popular music director of the late 90s and early 2000. He provided music for many films like Naa Pranamkante Ekkuva, Raghava, Aamdani Atthanni Khsarcha Rupaiva, etc. His best work has been for the movie ‘Gulabi’ and eventually, he faded away.