Allu Arjun, the popular Telugu film actor, was arrested by Hyderabad police on Friday in connection with a deadly stampede that occurred at the premiere of his film Pushpa 2 on December 4. The stampede, which took place at Sandhya Theatre, led to the tragic death of 39-year-old M Revathi and left her son critically injured.
Police have filed charges against the actor, his security team, and the theatre management, alleging that there was no prior communication from the film's team regarding their attendance at the event. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Akshansh Yadav, a case has been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with stringent action promised against those found responsible.
Arjun was taken into custody by officials from Chikkadpally police station after police arrived at his residence. He reportedly did not resist the arrest but expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the police handled the situation, as they did not allow him to change clothes or finish breakfast. The actor was seen drinking water and having a cup of tea before being escorted to the police vehicle.
His father, film producer Allu Aravind, accompanied him to the police station. After giving a statement, Arjun is expected to undergo a check-up at Gandhi Hospital before being presented in court. His lawyers have filed a petition in the Telangana High Court seeking to delay the arrest until Monday, though the petition has not been heard yet.
The stampede reportedly occurred when Arjun arrived at the theatre with his security team. The crowd attempted to enter the theatre with him, and the situation escalated when the security team allegedly began pushing the public, worsening the chaos. Police have also pointed to the theatre management for not making adequate arrangements to control the crowd, such as providing separate entry and exit routes for the actor’s team.
M Revathi, the woman who tragically lost her life, had attended the premiere with her family as her son was a fan of the actor. The incident has raised questions about crowd control and safety measures at such high-profile events.
Police are continuing their investigation, and further legal action is expected as the case progresses.
