Telugu actor Allu Arjun has been arrested
Telugu actor Allu Arjun has been arrested following a tragic stampede during the premiere of his latest film, Pushpa 2, at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad. The incident claimed the life of 39-year-old M Revathi and left her son hospitalized. The tragedy unfolded on December 4, sparking outrage and leading to a police complaint that implicated the actor, his security staff, and the theatre management.
Complaint Filed by Revathi’s Husband
Mogudampalli Bhaskar, the grieving husband of the deceased, filed the complaint on December 5, a day after the incident. Speaking to The Indian Express, Bhaskar expressed his anguish, stating, “I believe the law should take its course. I really don’t know what to say about Allu Arjun’s arrest. I am worried about my son right now.”
In his complaint, written in Telugu, Bhaskar detailed the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. According to him, the family had planned to watch the premiere of Pushpa 2 at Sandhya Theatre in Chikkadpally. The venue was already overcrowded by 9:10 pm, and by 9:40 pm, security personnel began removing people to make way for the arrival of Allu Arjun and other cast members. Bhaskar alleged that this sudden action caused panic among the audience.
Tragic Consequences of Mismanagement
Bhaskar’s complaint highlighted the lack of planning and crowd control measures at the theatre. He noted that despite the large turnout, the theatre management failed to implement adequate safety protocols. When security personnel ordered the crowd to vacate their seats, chaos ensued. Several people were pushed, leading to a stampede in which Revathi and her son, seated in the lower balcony, were severely affected. Bhaskar’s wife and son struggled to breathe amidst the commotion.
After the stampede, Bhaskar discovered that his wife had succumbed to her injuries, while his son required medical attention. The family’s two-year-old daughter, who was with Bhaskar at the time, remained unharmed.
Allegations Against Allu Arjun and Theatre Management
In his statement to the police, Bhaskar held Sandhya Theatre’s management and staff accountable for the tragedy. He also accused Allu Arjun and his personal security team of triggering the stampede by failing to ensure orderly crowd management. According to Bhaskar, the unnecessary fanfare surrounding the actor’s arrival led to the surge that caused the disaster.
Following the complaint, the Chikkadpally police registered an FIR against Allu Arjun, his security staff, and key personnel from Sandhya Theatre. On December 9, M Sandeep, a partner of the theatre; M Nagaraju, the theatre’s manager; and G Vijay Chander, in charge of the lower balcony, were arrested. These arrests marked the first step in the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The tragic event has sparked widespread criticism of both the film industry and theatre managements for their lack of preparedness during high-profile events. Fans and members of the public have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families while demanding accountability from all parties involved.
Police officials have confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the exact sequence of events and the roles played by each accused party. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to build a comprehensive case.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The incident has brought to light the urgent need for stricter safety regulations at public events, particularly those involving celebrities. Experts have called for better coordination between event organizers, security personnel, and local authorities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of negligence in crowd management. The spotlight remains on Allu Arjun, Sandhya Theatre, and their respective teams as they face growing scrutiny over their actions leading up to the fatal stampede.
