The chaos during a premiere show of Pushpa 2: The Rise on 4 December, killed a woman named Revathi, and landed her son in the hospital. He continues to be critical. Authorities are probing possible lapses in crowd management and event coordination.
Published Dec 13, 2024 | 1:22 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 13, 2024 | 6:07 PM
Allu Arjun detained by police
The Hyderabad police on Friday, 13 December, arrived at the residence of Pushpa 2 star Allu Arjun and detained him in connection with the stampede-like incident at Sandhya Theatre. Allu Arjun was produced before a court that remanded him to 14 days in judicial custody.
The actor was taken to the Chikkadapally police station for questioning regarding the tragic event. Following the incident, a case was registered against actor Allu Arjun, his security team, and the management of Sandhya 70mm Theatre. The FIR included charges under Section 105, 118(1) r/w 3(5) BNS Act.
“This incident happened due to the lack of prior information. We will soon notify actor Allu Arjun to join the investigation after consultation with the legal team,” said ACP Chikkadpally, L Ramesh Kumar had said.
On Wednesday, 11 December, the actor approached the Telangana High Court, seeking to quash the FIR registered, and requested a stay on all further proceedings, including arrest, pending the disposal of the petition.
Actor #AlluArjun Detained in Connection with Sandhya Theatre Stampede Case
In a shocking development, police arrived at the residence of Pushpa 2 star Allu Arjun and detained him in connection with the stampede incident at Sandhya Theatre. The actor was taken to the… pic.twitter.com/OQjcqEV5P9
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 13, 2024
The stampede-like situation occurred during a premiere show of Pushpa 2: The Rise on 4 December, killing a woman named Revathi, and hospitalising her son, resulting in casualties and injuries. Authorities are probing possible lapses in crowd management and event coordination.
The incident occurred around 9:40 PM when a large crowd had gathered at Sandhya Theatre in Chikkadapally, eagerly awaiting the premiere of the much-anticipated film. Many spectators were also hoping to catch a glimpse of the film’s lead actors, including Allu Arjun.
However, there was no prior announcement from the theatre management or the actor’s team regarding his visit, leaving the crowd unaware of the actor’s arrival.
Furthermore, the management failed to make adequate security arrangements or provide separate entry and exit points for the actor’s team, despite being informed of his visit.
Revathi’s husband filed a complaint with the police, stating that, when the actor arrived at the already crowded theatre, his security staff pushed the crowd causing the stampede.
On 8 December, Chikkadpally police arrested M Sandeep (37), co-owner of Sandhya 70mm Theatre, M Nagaraju, Senior Manager of Sandhya 70mm Theatre, and G Vijay Chander, Lower Balcony In-charge of the theatre in connection to the same case.
All three accused were produced before the court and have been sent to judicial custody.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Raj Rayasam)
