Hyderabad police detained the owner, manager, and security in-charge of Sandhya Theatre following a deadly stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule on December 4. The chaos claimed the life of 35-year-old Revathi and left her 9 year old son, Tej, critically injured. Authorities say that the unannounced arrival of star Allu Arjun with the team and the negligence in implementing adequate security measures by the theatre led to the tragedy.
A case was registered against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management based on a complaint from the deceased’s family. Charges were filed under sections 105 and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which address culpable homicide not amounting to murder and intentional harm.
In response, Allu Arjun released a video and announced a Rs 25 lakh compensation to Revathi’s family and promised personal support. The actor’s team is even said to have been taking care of the boy’s health care expenses. At the film’s success meet on December 7, Director Sukumar also apologised about the incident and expressed sorrow for the mismanagement by the security teams.
Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar, debuted globally on December 5, receiving significant fanfare but the tragic incident left many fans and cinephiles shocked. People on social media raise concern over the frequent mismanagement of these fan shows and premieres where the crowd often goes uncontrolled. Allu Arjun faces legal scrutiny and the police investigation will determine further actions regarding his involvement.