Allu Arjun to be questioned by Hyderabad Police in 'Pushpa 2' stampede case, actor leaves from his residence, watch video

Allu Arjun

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has been summoned by the Hyderabad police today as part of an ongoing investigation into a tragic stampede during the screening of his much-anticipated film Pushpa 2 on December 4. The stampede, which occurred at Sandhya Theatre in the Chikkadpally area of Hyderabad, led to the death of a 35-year-old woman, identified as Revathi, and left her son critically injured. Allu Arjun has been asked to appear before the authorities at 11 AM today for questioning related to the incident.

The police investigation, which is still ongoing, has raised several concerns regarding the safety arrangements during the event, which had attracted a large crowd. In response to the tragic event, a case has been registered against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the management of the theatre under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Chikkadpally police station. This development comes after a deep investigation into the cause of the stampede, which has sparked public outcry and political controversy.

#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: Actor Allu Arjun leaves from his residence in Jubilee HillsAccording to Sources, Hyderabad police have issued a notice to actor Allu Arjun, asking him to appear before them in connection with the Sandhya theatre incident pic.twitter.com/S4Y4OcfDWz

ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2024

The Incident and Its Aftermath

The tragic incident unfolded on December 4 when a large number of fans gathered at Sandhya Theatre for a screening of Pushpa 2. According to eyewitnesses and police reports, the situation quickly escalated as fans surged towards the venue, resulting in a stampede that led to Revathi's death. Her son, Sri Tej, was critically injured in the chaos and remains hospitalized.

On December 13, the Hyderabad police arrested Allu Arjun from his residence, naming him as Accused No. 11 in the case. The actor was later granted four-week interim bail by the Telangana High Court on December 14. However, the incident continued to gather momentum in the media, and on December 22, a group of protesters attacked the actor's residence in a demand for justice for the deceased woman’s family. The group, identified as members of the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OU-JAC), staged a demonstration, holding placards and shouting slogans. Tensions escalated when one of the protesters climbed the compound wall of Allu Arjun’s house and began throwing stones, prompting the actor's security personnel to intervene. In the subsequent altercation, several flower pots were damaged, and some security staff were manhandled.

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The police arrested six individuals from the protest group, who were later granted bail. This incident further intensified the public discourse surrounding the stampede and the responsibility of both the actor and the authorities in managing large public events.

Political Controversy and Allegations

The tragic stampede has become a politically charged issue, with several leaders weighing in on the matter. Telangana Congress leader Revanth Reddy has been vocal in his criticism of Allu Arjun, blaming him for exacerbating the situation. According to Reddy, the police had denied permission for a public appearance by the actor at the theatre due to safety concerns. He claimed that the Chikkadpally Circle Inspector had explicitly rejected the request of Sandhya Theatre management for arrangements to accommodate the actor and the cast of Pushpa 2. This decision was made after it was pointed out that the theatre, located in a congested area with only one entry and exit point, posed significant safety risks.

Despite this, Allu Arjun reportedly attended the event, climbed onto the roof of his car, and engaged in a roadshow, drawing even more attention and further inflaming the crowd. Reddy alleged that the actor had refused to leave when the police requested him to do so, and the ACP had to intervene to avoid further escalation. Allu Arjun, however, has dismissed these allegations, calling them part of an attempt to tarnish his reputation. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a tragic accident. The actor emphasized that he was not directly responsible for the stampede and had no intention of causing harm.

Support for the Victim’s Family

In response to the tragedy, the producers of Pushpa 2, Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar, have extended financial support to the family of the deceased woman. A cheque for Rs 50 lakh was handed over to Revathi's husband as compensation. Revathi's son, Sri Tej, continues to receive medical treatment for his injuries.

Allu Arjun also took to social media to express his condolences, stating that he had been closely monitoring the condition of the injured child and was relieved to hear about his improving health. He reiterated that the incident was deeply distressing for him and that he had been following all developments related to the case.

As the police continue to investigate the matter, Allu Arjun’s appearance before the authorities today will likely provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragic stampede. While the actor has maintained his innocence, the case has raised significant questions about the safety protocols in place during large public events and the role of celebrities in managing such situations. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming days.