The Hyderabad police have summoned Telugu actor Allu Arjun to appear for questioning in connection with a stampede that occurred during the screening of his upcoming film, Pushpa 2, on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre. The tragic incident resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman, Revathi, and left others injured.
Here are the key points surrounding the case:
The Incident and Legal Action
- The Chikkadpally police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and Sandhya Theatre management under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- Arjun, listed as accused number 11, was arrested on December 13 but released on interim bail by the Telangana High Court the following day.
Protests and Escalation
- On December 22, protestors attacked the actor’s residence, demanding justice for Revathi’s family. Stones were thrown, and security staff were manhandled during the altercation.
- Six individuals, reportedly affiliated with the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OU-JAC), were arrested but later granted bail.
Political Controversy
- Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy criticized Allu Arjun’s actions, alleging negligence and non-compliance with police instructions. Reddy stated that the police had denied permission for the event due to safety concerns but that Arjun attended and conducted a roadshow, exacerbating the crowd chaos.
- The Congress leader further claimed that the actor refused to leave the venue when requested, worsening the situation.
Actor’s Defense and Support for the Victim’s Family
- Allu Arjun denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations a character assassination. He expressed condolences to the victim’s family and confirmed he was closely monitoring the recovery of an injured child.
- The producers of Pushpa 2, Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar, handed over a ₹50 lakh compensation cheque to Revathi’s family.
Legal Preparations
- A team of lawyers visited Allu Arjun’s residence in Jubilee Hills to discuss his legal strategy, reflecting the seriousness of the case.
Public and Industry Reactions
- The incident has sparked widespread debate, with fans and the public divided over the actor’s alleged role in the tragedy.
This ongoing investigation highlights the challenges of managing large-scale public events and the accountability of high-profile figures in ensuring safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of inadequate planning and compliance.