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A chargesheet has named Telugu actor Allu Arjun and 22 others in connection with the December 4, 2024 stampede at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad, during the ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ premier that left one woman dead and her son critically injured.
Charges invoked under Section 304-A IPC and other safety-related sections.
Hyderabad: Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, along with 22 others, has been officially named in the chargesheet relating to the tragic stampede that occurred during the premier screening of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. The document has been submitted before the 9th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) at Nampally Court, over a year after the accident, which claimed the life of 35-year-old Revathi and left her minor son Sreethej critically ill.
The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, at Sandhya Theatre in RTC X Roads, Hyderabad. A massive crowd had gathered to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, resulting in a stampede. Police investigations revealed that the tragedy was caused by gross negligence and a lack of adherence to safety protocols. The theatre was unprepared for such a large influx of fans, and the chaotic conditions directly contributed to the fatality and the severe injuries sustained by the victim’s child.
The chargesheet holds the theatre owners and management responsible for failing to implement essential crowd control measures despite being aware of the actor’s presence. Allu Arjun has been named for allegedly proceeding with the visit despite high-risk crowd conditions and for inadequate coordination with local authorities. The list of accused also includes the actor’s personal manager, staff members, and eight private bouncers, whose actions are believed to have intensified the panic during the event.
The police report outlines multiple lapses that led to the tragedy. The theatre failed to provide separate entry and exit points for VIP guests, increasing the risk of crowd surges. Notably, police had denied permission for the actor’s appearance at the venue due to safety concerns, which was ignored. Investigators also noted that movements and gestures by private security personnel aggravated the situation, contributing to the fatal stampede.
Charges under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to causing death by negligence, have been invoked against the theatre owners. Additional sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have also been applied for causing hurt and endangering public safety. Allu Arjun, who was briefly arrested in December 2024 and later granted bail, has been cooperating with the authorities. The filing of the chargesheet now moves the case into the trial phase.
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The family of the deceased has sought accountability and increased compensation for the ongoing medical needs of the injured minor. The case has sparked debates around celebrity appearances at public events, the responsibility of organisers, and the use of private security, highlighting the need for strict adherence to safety protocols during high-profile events.
