Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has been named as accused along with 22 others in connection with the stampede that occurred in Sandhya theatre in Hyderabad during a screening of his film ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, reports said. The chargesheet was filed by Chikkadpally police earlier this week, in which it has also named Allu Arjun’s personal security staff and the theatre management.
On December 4, 2024, a stampede occurred during the premier screening of film ‘Pushpa 2’ as hundreds of fans of the actor gathered outside Sandhya theatre. A woman, 35-year-old M. Revathi died in the tragedy while her nine-year-old son, Sritej, was critically injured.
Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar confirmed the chargesheet has been filed, reported Times of India. “Police cited 23 persons as accused including Allu Arjun,” Sajjanar added, as per the report.
23 persons named as accused
In the chargesheet, that was filed two days ago before the IX additional chief metropolitan magistrate court in Nampally, a total of 23 persons have been named as accused. All Arjun has been mentioned as Accused no 11.
Apart from him, the Sandhya Theatre management has been cited as the prime accused, the report mentioned. The actor has been charged with abetment, because his sudden arrival at the location along with other cast triggered a massive rush of fans, ultimately leading to the stampede at the busy RTC X Roads area.
What happened on December 4 last year
At around 10:30-11 pm on December 4, 2024, a sudden rush of people blocked the entrance and exit of the Sandhya Theatre, where a special screening of Allu Arjun’s film ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ was being held. The actor also reached the theatre, unannounced and his fans rushed to take a glimpse of him.
This was a day before the film’s official release. Multiple people fell unconscious, and a woman died of suffocation and injuries. Her son also suffered critical injuries along with many others. Allegations of poor management were made against the theatre, which has now been named as prime accused in the case.
Actor Allu Arjun who was also arrested following the tragic stampede. He was later released on interim bail by the Telangana High Court on December 13. Speaking after his release, Allu Arjun described the incident as “unfortunate” and extended his sympathy to the affected family.
“I thank everyone for the love and support. I want to thank all my fans. There is nothing to worry about. I am fine. I am a law-abiding citizen and will cooperate,” the actor had said after his release.
“I would like to once again express my condolences to the family. It was an unfortunate incident. We are sorry for what happened,” he had added.
He also announced a Rs 25 lakh compensation to the kin of deceased woman. Besides this, the film makers — Mythri Movie Makers & Director Sukumar — announced a Rs 2 crore compensation package for the victim’s family (both paying Rs 50 lakh each, and Arjun contributing Rs 1 cr).