Allu Arjun, one of Telugu cinema's biggest stars, was questioned by police for over three hours on December 24, 2024, concerning the tragic stampede at the Sandhya Theatre on December 4, during the screening of his latest film, Pushpa 2: The Rise. The inquiry followed the unfortunate death of a 35-year-old woman, Revathi, who was caught up in the chaos, with her eight-year-old son requiring hospitalization.
Arjun arrived at the Chikkadpally police station shortly after 11 AM, accompanied by his father, Allu Aravind, and legal advisors. The questioning, conducted by Central Zone DCP Akshansh Yadav, was significant enough for authorities to impose heavy security measures, restricting traffic and public access around the area.
Witnesses claimed the presence of Arjun's security team played a pivotal role in the stampede, pointing to aggressive crowd control tactics employed by bouncers at the theatre. "Despite the presence of the public and police, they pushed everyone aside. Their sole focus was on the VIP (Arjun)," stated Hyderabad Police Commissioner C V Anand. This focus allegedly led to the conditions which precipitated the unfortunate event.
During the interrogation, officers posed various questions to Arjun, including why he attended the premiere knowing he did not have police permission. They sought clarity on his knowledge of the stampede's severity and when he became aware of Revathi's death. The session lasted from around 11 AM until approximately 2:45 PM, with police emphasizing the necessity of Arjun's presence for effective investigation.
Allu Arjun, who expressed deep sorrow over the incident, had previously announced financial support of Rs. 25 lakh (approximately $30,000) for the victim’s family, which was supplemented by the film's producers who pledged Rs. 50 lakh. The family's husband, in statements made to the media, conveyed his willingness to forgive Arjun, stating, "I don't blame the actor for the stampede..." underscoring the unpredictability of the situation.
The police investigation is multi-layered, aiming to ascertain whether any negligence occurred and if safety protocols were disregarded. Arjun has been named as Accused No. 11 and was arrested on December 13, but was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court the same day. He was released from jail on December 14. While the legal processes continue, he agreed to cooperate with authorities, with his legal team stating, "He cooperated with the police fully..." after the questioning.
Following the incident, local police released CCTV footage detailing the moments leading up to the stampede, which illustrated the vibrant atmosphere of fans eager to see the star. The footage prompts concerns about crowd management at events featuring high-profile figures like Arjun.
After facing public scrutiny and pressure from political figures like Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who labeled it negligence, Allu Arjun has found himself at the center of both media attention and public speculation. His family had reportedly been notified of heightened security measures at their residence, with defenses ramped up to deal with any backlash following the tragic event.
While the investigation continues, the fate of Allu Arjun remains uncertain as legal discussions take shape. Discussions about the adequacy of venue security and potential financial reparations for affected families persist. With the proceedings still underway, fans and critics alike are watching closely.
What is clear is the impact of this tragic event on Allu Arjun's career, as the immediate successes of Pushpa 2 have been overshadowed by the sadness of this loss, leaving many questions about the responsibilities of celebrities when it concerns public gatherings.
Overall, the stampede at Sandhya Theatre not only highlighted the need for effective crowd management but has also raised ethical questions surrounding the accountability of public figures during high-pressure scenarios.
