Hyderabad police filed a chargesheet against Telugu superstar Allu Arjun and 22 others in connection with the tragic Sandhya Theatre stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Case Details
The 100-page chargesheet submitted to the court lists Allu Arjun as the 11th accused (A-11). The primary accused is the Sandhya Theatre management, held responsible for inadequate crowd control and safety lapses. Police also pressed charges against the actor’s manager and several event organisers.
The incident occurred in December 2024 when massive crowds gathered outside the theatre to see Allu Arjun. Chaos broke out, leading to a deadly stampede. A woman died in the crush, while her minor son sustained serious injuries.
Investigation Findings
Police investigations revealed that despite warnings about overcrowding, theatre management and organisers failed to arrange adequate security. Allu Arjun’s surprise visit allegedly worsened the situation, drawing larger crowds.
The chargesheet includes sections on culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligence causing death, and endangering life. Authorities noted that organisers did not obtain prior permissions for the actor’s appearance, which contributed to the mishandling of the event.
Actor’s Response
Allu Arjun, who was briefly arrested earlier and later granted bail, maintained that he was unaware of the chaos outside. He expressed condolences to the victim’s family. His legal team is expected to respond to the chargesheet in court.
Wider Impact
The case has sparked debate on celebrity responsibility during public appearances and the need for stricter regulations at film events. Fans rallied in support of the actor, while victims’ rights advocates demanded accountability.
The development comes amid the massive success of Pushpa 2, which shattered box office records. The court is expected to take up the matter soon, with hearings scheduled in the coming weeks.
