A tragic incident unfolded on December 4, 2024, during the premiere of “Pushpa 2: The Rule” at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, leading to an overwhelming political and public backlash. The stampede, triggered by the actor’s sudden appearance, resulted in the death of 35-year-old Revathi and left her 8-year-old son, Sritej, severely injured. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy comments on Allu Arjun Over Pushpa 2 Stampede, while the actor defended himself during a press conference. The dispute has since escalated, with both parties offering starkly different perspectives on the incident.
Also Read: Allu Arjun Arrest and Release
The Stampede Incident: A Celebration Turns Tragic
The evening of December 4, 2024, was supposed to be a celebration for Allu Arjun fans, who were eagerly waiting for the release of “Pushpa 2: The Rule.” However, the event quickly spiraled into tragedy when an unmanageable crowd gathered outside the theatre to catch a glimpse of the actor. The overwhelming rush caused a stampede when the theatre’s entrance gate collapsed under the pressure, resulting in a chaotic scene.
Revathi, a mother who had attended the event with her son Sritej, tragically lost her life in the stampede. Sritej was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, sustaining severe injuries. Several others were also injured, but thankfully, most of the crowd was able to escape without life-threatening harm. The incident has left an indelible mark on the minds of those involved and sparked widespread calls for accountability.
Legal Action Against Allu Arjun: Arrest and Bail
In the wake of the stampede, the Hyderabad Police arrested Allu Arjun on December 13, 2024, charging him and the theatre management with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The charges stemmed from alleged negligence in managing the massive crowd that gathered outside the theatre. Authorities believe the event could have been better controlled with proper safety measures and protocols.
The actor was initially sent to judicial custody for 14 days, but his legal team quickly filed for bail. On December 14, the Telangana High Court granted Allu Arjun bail, citing insufficient evidence to warrant prolonged detention. While the legal proceedings are still ongoing, the incident has placed Allu Arjun under intense scrutiny.
Revanth Reddy comments on Allu Arjun Over Pushpa 2 Stampede in Telangana Assembly
In a session in the Telangana Assembly, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy strongly criticized Allu Arjun. He accused the actor of being insensitive after the tragedy, claiming that Allu Arjun was told about Revathi’s death but still stayed at the event. Reddy also said that the police had to step in and escort the actor away from the scene, calling this behavior disrespectful.
Reddy expressed concern about how celebrities handle such situations and their lack of responsibility toward their fans. He questioned whether Allu Arjun’s fame caused him to ignore basic safety rules and warned that this incident showed a bigger problem of negligence that needed to be fixed.
Allu Arjun’s Response: Denial and Grief
In response to the accusations, Allu Arjun held a press conference where he denied all allegations made by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The actor expressed deep regret over the tragedy and clarified that he had not been aware of the fatality until the next day. Arjun stated that if he had known about the incident, he would have immediately left the venue. He also emphasized that he had no intention of staying at the theatre once he became aware of the scale of the tragedy.
During the conference, Allu Arjun refuted claims of negligence, stating that his priority had always been the safety and well-being of his fans. He revealed that he had been in close contact with the victim’s family, especially Sritej’s family, and had provided financial assistance for his treatment. The actor mentioned that he was monitoring the child’s health closely and was committed to helping with the medical expenses.
Sritej’s Current Condition and Public Response
As of now, Sritej remains hospitalized in critical condition. The young boy’s family has expressed their gratitude for the actor’s support, but they continue to wait anxiously for his recovery. The incident has generated significant public debate over the role of celebrities in ensuring the safety of their fans during public events.
Many critics have argued that such events should have better crowd management protocols, especially when a celebrity is expected to draw large crowds. The tragedy has sparked a wider conversation about the responsibilities of public figures and event organizers in maintaining public safety.
Donations and Support by Allu Arjun
In addition to offering financial assistance for Sritej’s medical treatment, Allu Arjun has also pledged further support for the victim’s family. The actor’s gesture has been met with mixed reactions, with some commending his efforts while others believe the tragedy could have been avoided with better crowd control.
Allu Arjun’s public statement emphasized his ongoing support for the family and his wish for Sritej’s full recovery. The actor has also promised to cooperate with authorities in any way necessary to ensure justice is served.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Safer Public Events
This incident has brought the issue of safety at public events to the forefront of public discussion. Both fans and critics are calling for more stringent safety measures, including crowd control, proper event planning, and clearer responsibilities for public figures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained have left a permanent mark on the entertainment community, with many hoping that lessons will be learned from this incident to ensure a safer experience for fans everywhere.
