Telugu superstar Allu Arjun was detained by the Chikkadpally police in Hyderabad on December 13, 2024, in connection with a tragic stampede incident at Sandhya Theatre. The incident, which occurred during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman. This case has ignited widespread public attention, raising questions about safety protocols, accountability, and the role of celebrities in such events.
What Happened at Sandhya Theatre?
On December 4, 2024, fans flocked to Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad to witness the much-anticipated premiere of Pushpa 2. However, what was meant to be a celebration turned into a tragedy when a stampede broke out due to overcrowding. The incident led to the death of a woman and left her son critically injured. Authorities later revealed that inadequate crowd management played a significant role in the disaster.
The Incident: Key Details
- Location: Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad
- Date: December 4, 2024
- Casualties: One death (35-year-old woman) and multiple injuries
- Cause: Overcrowding, mismanagement of fans, and poor safety protocols
Why Was Allu Arjun Arrested?
Allu Arjun’s arrest stems from allegations surrounding his role in the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede. The Hyderabad police accused the actor, along with his security team and the theatre management, of failing to ensure public safety. Although Allu Arjun’s direct involvement remains disputed, the incident triggered a legal inquiry that placed the actor under scrutiny.
Legal Charges Filed Against Allu Arjun
Section 105 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Definition: Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
- Punishment: Life imprisonment or 5 to 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine
- Explanation: This section applies to cases where an individual acts with the knowledge or intention that their actions could result in severe injury or death.
Section 118(1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Definition: Voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous means
- Punishment: Up to 3 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹20,000, or both
- Explanation: This section pertains to actions causing harm through negligence or unsafe measures.
The charges were filed after a formal complaint from the deceased woman’s family, holding the actor accountable for the chaotic premiere event.
Timeline of Allu Arjun’s Arrest
- December 4: Stampede occurs during Pushpa 2 premiere.
- December 7: Allu Arjun addresses the incident, expressing shock and pledging support to the victim’s family.
- December 11: Allu Arjun files a quash petition in the Telangana High Court seeking to dismiss the FIR.
- December 13: Police arrive at Allu Arjun’s residence, detain him, and take him to the Chikkadpally police station for questioning.
- December 13 (Afternoon): Allu Arjun undergoes a medical examination at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad.
Family’s Response to the Arrest
The news of Allu Arjun’s arrest shocked his family and supporters. Soon after the actor was taken into custody, his father, Allu Aravind, and brother, Allu Sirish, rushed to the Chikkadpally police station. They refrained from making public statements, but their presence highlighted the family’s growing concerns over the actor’s predicament.
Father-in-Law Kancharla Chandrasekhar Reddy’s Plea
Amid the turmoil, Allu Arjun’s father-in-law, Kancharla Chandrasekhar Reddy, also reached the police station. Local media visuals showed him pleading with authorities to allow him to meet Allu Arjun. However, police officials reportedly denied his request due to ongoing legal procedures.
Industry Support: Mega Star Chiranjeevi’s Arrival
The Telugu film industry came forward to support Allu Arjun during this challenging time. Veteran actor Chiranjeevi and his wife, Surekha, visited Allu Arjun’s residence following his detention. Their visit was seen as a gesture of solidarity, underscoring the unity within the industry during crises.
Political Reaction: K.T. Rama Rao’s Condemnation
Prominent BRS leader and former minister K.T. Rama Rao criticized the arrest of Allu Arjun. Taking to social media, he called the arrest “high-handed” and argued that the star should not be treated as a common criminal. He expressed sympathies for the victims but questioned the government’s decision to target the actor.
Allu Arjun’s Reaction to the Incident
During a success meet on December 7, Allu Arjun publicly addressed the tragedy:
“The incident at Sandhya Theatre is very unfortunate… It took me hours to process it. I couldn’t believe such a tragedy happened during our celebration. My thoughts are with the family of the victim, and we will always stand by them.”
The actor pledged to personally support the grieving family, a gesture that many praised despite the legal turmoil.
Public Sentiment and Fan Reactions
The arrest of Allu Arjun triggered an outpouring of mixed reactions from fans and the general public.
- Supportive Fans: Many fans gathered outside the Chikkadpally police station, chanting slogans in support of the actor.
- Critics: Others criticized the management of the Pushpa 2 event, questioning why better safety protocols weren’t enforced.
Pushpa 2 Screening: The Lead-up to the Incident
The premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule was highly anticipated, with thousands of fans thronging Sandhya Theatre. Reports indicate that the lack of crowd control and absence of proper exit strategies escalated the situation, resulting in chaos.
Hyderabad Police’s Investigation
The Chikkadpally police launched an investigation immediately after the incident. Their findings highlighted negligence on the part of theatre management, event coordinators, and security personnel. Despite this, Allu Arjun was brought in for questioning to determine his role in the event’s organization.
Telangana High Court Hearing: Quash Petition
On December 11, Allu Arjun’s legal team approached the Telangana High Court to quash the FIR. The court has adjourned the hearing to allow the prosecution more time to present their case.
The tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre has raised serious questions about event safety and accountability. While Allu Arjun arrest remains at the center of this controversy, the focus must also shift toward enforcing stricter crowd management protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
