Telugu Star Allu Arjun Faces Arrest in Stampede Case

Renowned Telugu actor Allu Arjun has been arrested in connection with a tragic stampede at the premiere screening of his latest movie, Pushpa 2: The Rule. The incident, which occurred on December 4, led to the untimely death of a 35-year-old woman, identified as Revathi, and left her nine-year-old son hospitalized due to severe asphyxiation.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The stampede unfolded at Sandhya Theatre, situated at the bustling RTC Crossroads in Hyderabad, as fans gathered in overwhelming numbers to catch a glimpse of the actor. The chaos spiraled out of control, creating a dangerous crowd surge. Revathi, who was accompanied by her son, tragically lost her life, while her son, Sri Teja, remains under medical care, recovering from his injuries.

Police Action: Allu Arjun Taken into Custody

A team from the Chikkadpally police station arrived at Allu Arjun’s residence in Jubilee Hills to take him into custody. The actor was subsequently shifted to the police station for questioning. The police are investigating the circumstances that led to the mishap, including the role of the theatre management, the actor, and his security team.

The authorities have filed a First Information Report (FIR) citing violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 105 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and Section 118 for voluntarily causing hurt.

Family's Loss and Legal Proceedings

The FIR was registered based on a complaint by M. Bhaskar, the bereaved husband of Revathi. Bhaskar expressed his anguish over the loss of his wife and the injuries sustained by his two children. In addition to his son, the couple’s daughter also suffered severe injuries in the stampede.

High Court Plea by Allu Arjun

On Wednesday, Allu Arjun filed a plea with the High Court, seeking to quash the FIR lodged against him. The actor has requested the court to stay all legal proceedings, including his arrest, until the petition is resolved. The High Court is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days.

Allu Arjun's Statement and Support for the Victim's Family

In the wake of the tragedy, Allu Arjun expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased. He also announced financial assistance of ₹25 lakh to support the family during this difficult time. While addressing the media, he stated that he is cooperating fully with the investigation and hopes for a fair resolution to the matter.

The Role of Event Management in Public Safety

The lack of prior intimation to local authorities about the actor's attendance at the screening has drawn criticism. The police revealed that they were not informed of the event in advance, which might have allowed for better crowd management and preventive measures.

Public Reactions and Industry Impact

The incident has sent shockwaves through the film industry and among fans of the superstar. Social media is abuzz with debates about the accountability of celebrities, event organizers, and theatre management in ensuring public safety during high-profile events.

Conclusion

The tragic events at the Pushpa 2: The Rule screening highlight the critical importance of stringent crowd control measures and coordinated planning for events involving prominent public figures. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on delivering justice for the victims and learning lessons to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.