Allu Arjun-Sandhya Theatre controversy: Dil Raju assures support to victim's son weeks after Pushpa 2 stampede incident

Film producer and Chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, Dil Raju, has provided an update on Sri Tej, the son of Revathi, who tragically lost her life in the Sandhya Theatre incident. Sri Tej, who was injured during the stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, is now responding well to treatment and was taken off the ventilator two days ago.

Dil Raju visited KIMS Hospital in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, to meet with Sri Tej's family. Speaking to ANI, he mentioned his earlier meeting with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to discuss support for Sri Tej's family, ensuring that both the film industry and the government would provide necessary assistance. "He is responding and recovering... He was taken off the ventilator two days ago," said Dil Raju.

Producers of Pushpa 2, Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar, earlier handed over a Rs 50 lakh cheque to the victim's family at KIMS Hospital. The cheque was presented in the presence of Telangana Minister for Roads & Buildings and Cinematography, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and was received by Revathi's husband.

The tragic incident occurred on December 4, during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule attended by Allu Arjun. A large crowd had gathered to see the actor, and the situation escalated when he waved to fans from the sunroof of his car. The stampede led to the death of Revathi and injuries to her son, Sri Tej. Following the incident, Allu Arjun was arrested and released on bail after posting a Rs 50,000 bond.

The case saw further developments when Allu Arjun was served a notice to appear for questioning regarding the Sandhya Theatre tragedy. The notice from the Telangana Police stated, "The case is under investigation, and your presence is essential before the undersigned officer to elicit answers about the incident and, if necessary, to visit the scene of the offence to ascertain the true facts." Allu Arjun complied and appeared at the Chikkadpally police station in Hyderabad.

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On December 22, a group of protestors demanding justice for Revathi attacked Allu Arjun's residence. According to DCP West Zone, Hyderabad, the protestors arrived with placards and slogans. One individual climbed the compound wall and threw stones, prompting security to intervene. The protestors damaged flower pots and manhandled security personnel. Six individuals, identified as members of the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OU-JAC), were taken into custody and later granted bail.

The incident has also sparked political controversy. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy blamed Allu Arjun for the tragedy, stating in the Assembly that police had denied permission for any event at Sandhya Theatre due to safety concerns. In response, Allu Arjun dismissed the allegations, describing them as an attempt at "character assassination."