On December 4, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of the much-anticipated film ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’. A 35-year-old woman lost her life, and her 8-year-old son sustained critical injuries in a stampede triggered by an unexpected appearance of the film’s lead actor, Allu Arjun.
The Incident:
The excitement surrounding ‘Pushpa 2’ was palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. The situation escalated when Allu Arjun made an unannounced visit to the Sandhya Theatre during the premiere. His sudden appearance caused a massive surge of fans attempting to catch a glimpse of the star, leading to overcrowding and chaos. The theatre’s main gate collapsed under the pressure of the crowd, resulting in a deadly stampede.
The victim, identified as Revathi, was caught in the commotion along with her young son. While Revathi tragically succumbed to her injuries, her son was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Police Investigation:
In the aftermath of the incident, Hyderabad Police launched an investigation to determine the factors leading to the tragedy. Actor Allu Arjun was summoned for questioning to ascertain his role and the sequence of events that led to the stampede. The interrogation focused on several key points:
- Awareness of Permissions: Authorities questioned whether Arjun was aware that the police had not granted permission for his appearance at the premiere.
- Decision to Attend: Inquiries were made about who decided to proceed with the appearance despite the lack of official clearance.
- Communication with Theatre Management: The police sought to understand if the theatre management had advised against his attendance during the show.
- Security Arrangements: Details regarding the number of bouncers or security personnel arranged for the event were examined.
- Response to the Incident: Arjun was asked when he became aware of the stampede and the subsequent fatality.
The actor’s bouncer, Antony, was also arrested for allegedly attacking fans during the incident, further complicating the situation.
Legal Proceedings:
Following the incident, a case was registered against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a complaint from the victim’s family.
On December 13, Arjun was arrested but was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court shortly thereafter. The court emphasized that his status as an actor did not warrant detention without proper cause.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns:
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about crowd management and safety measures at public events, especially those involving high-profile celebrities. Fans and the general public have expressed concerns over the lack of adequate security arrangements and the responsibilities of event organizers and celebrities in ensuring public safety.
Allu Arjun, known for his massive fan following, has faced criticism for the unplanned appearance that led to the tragedy. In response, he expressed heartbreak over the incident and announced financial assistance of ₹24 lakh for the victim’s family, along with a commitment to cover the medical expenses for the injured child.
Ongoing Investigation:
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the timeline of events and assessing the accountability of all parties involved. The possibility of reconstructing the scene at Sandhya Theatre has been mentioned to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances leading to the stampede.
The tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols and the need for clear communication between event organizers, security personnel, and authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.
Actor Allu Arjun Released on Bail After Stampede Incident
