Actor Allu Arjun has been named in a case linked to the tragic stampede at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad during the much-anticipated premiere of Pushpa 2. The incident, which unfolded on December 4, claimed the life of 35-year-old Revathi and left her 13-year-old son, Sri Tej, in critical condition. The chaos erupted as an enormous crowd gathered outside the theatre, eager to catch a glimpse of the star, leading to a surge that spiraled out of control upon his arrival.
Hyderabad’s Central Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akansh Yadav confirmed that a case has been registered against multiple parties, including the Pushpa 2 movie unit, lead actor Allu Arjun, the theatre’s owner, and the actor’s personal security team. Charges have been filed under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 118(1) (punishment for causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the negligence alleged to have contributed to it.
Revathi, a resident of Dilsukhnagar, attended the premiere with her husband Bhaskar and their two children, Sri Tej (13) and Sanvika (7). The excitement of the premiere drew massive crowds, with fans eager to witness the event and possibly see their favorite stars in person. However, the situation escalated quickly when Allu Arjun arrived at the theatre with his security team. The anticipation among fans turned into a stampede-like scenario, leaving many injured and others struggling to stay on their feet.
Authorities have pointed to critical lapses in planning and crowd management. Despite being informed of Allu Arjun’s visit, the theatre management failed to make adequate arrangements to handle the influx of people. No additional security measures were implemented, and no separate entry or exit points were designated for the actor and his team. The lack of preparation exacerbated the situation when fans surged forward to follow Allu Arjun into the theatre. The actor’s security team reportedly pushed back against the crowd, unintentionally worsening the chaos as fans scrambled to get closer.
In the midst of the commotion, Revathi and Sri Tej were caught in the crush of people. Both lost consciousness and were rushed to Durga Bhai Deshmukh Hospital in Vidyanagar. Tragically, Revathi was declared dead on arrival, while Sri Tej was later transferred to KIMS Hospital in Begumpet for advanced medical care due to his critical injuries. The father and younger daughter, Sanvika, were left devastated by the tragedy.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing, with the sheer number of people overwhelming both the theatre’s limited security staff and the local police officers stationed to manage the event. Videos from the night show Allu Arjun addressing fans from his car, waving to the crowd, and urging them to make way for vehicles before departing under heavy security. However, these efforts came too late to prevent the disaster.
The incident, which occurred around 10:30 p.m., has sparked widespread criticism and raised important questions about accountability. Fans and critics alike are calling for stricter regulations governing large-scale public events, particularly those involving high-profile celebrities. The absence of proper planning and crowd control measures has been highlighted as a key factor in the tragedy.
As investigations continue, authorities are examining the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved, including the movie’s production team, theatre management, and Allu Arjun’s personal security detail. The case has also brought renewed focus on the importance of stringent safety protocols for public events, especially those that attract massive crowds. The need for better coordination between organizers, law enforcement, and local authorities is now being emphasized to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow over the release of Pushpa 2, a film highly anticipated by fans across the nation. While the film’s lead actor, Allu Arjun, has not yet released a formal statement addressing the tragedy, the event serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate preparation and negligence at high-profile gatherings. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold and whether this tragedy will lead to systemic changes in managing large-scale events.
