The Hyderabad Police intensified its investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rise, issuing a fresh notice to the film’s lead actor, Allu Arjun, on Monday. The notice directs the actor to appear for questioning at 11 am on Tuesday, as authorities delve deeper into the circumstances that led to the death of a 35-year-old woman and injuries to several others, including her young son.
The stampede, which took place on December 4 at Hyderabad's historic Sandhya Theater, unfolded as thousands of fans swarmed the venue to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun during the much-anticipated premiere. Inadequate crowd control measures, coupled with an overwhelming turnout, created a chaotic and unsafe environment, ultimately leading to the fatal incident.
The tragedy prompted the Hyderabad Police to file a case against Allu Arjun, his personal security team, and the theater’s management. The charges, registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), include allegations of negligence, failure to ensure public safety, and improper management of the event. The case has drawn widespread attention, as it underscores the pressing need for better security measures during large public gatherings, particularly those involving high-profile celebrities.
Allu Arjun’s legal troubles escalated on December 13 when he was taken into custody by the authorities. However, his legal team swiftly secured interim bail from the Telangana High Court, leading to his release the following morning. Despite his temporary reprieve, the actor remains under intense scrutiny, with the fresh notice indicating that investigators are far from concluding their probe into the incident.
Meanwhile, the tragedy has sparked public outrage, culminating in a violent protest outside Allu Arjun’s Hyderabad residence on Sunday evening. A group claiming to be students from Osmania University stormed the property, demanding that the actor pay Rs 1 crore in compensation to the victim’s family. The protest escalated as the agitators hurled tomatoes at the residence and caused damage to the property. The police intervened swiftly, arresting six individuals involved in the vandalism. However, all six were granted bail by a Hyderabad court earlier today, further fueling tensions surrounding the case.
The incident has sparked a larger debate about accountability in high-profile events. Many have questioned celebrities' role in ensuring their fans' safety, as well as the responsibility of event organizers and theater management in anticipating and managing large crowds. Activists and legal experts have called for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the legal and public fallout continues, Allu Arjun has remained largely silent, refraining from making any public statements regarding the incident. The actor, known for his charismatic on-screen persona and massive fan following, now finds himself at the center of a storm, with his reputation and career potentially impacted by the ongoing investigation. The tragic events surrounding the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rise have cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a celebration of one of the most anticipated films of the year, turning it instead into a moment of profound sorrow and reflection.
