Allu Arjun named among accused in Pushpa 2 premiere stampede case
Allu Arjun was briefly taken into custody following the incident in December 2024 but was later released on bail
PTC Web Desk: Telugu film star Allu Arjun has been listed as an accused, along with 23 others, in the chargesheet filed in connection with the deadly stampede that occurred during a special screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad.
The chargesheet was submitted before the 9th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court at Nampally, more than a year after the tragic incident that resulted in the death of a woman and left her young son with severe, life-altering injuries.
The incident took place on December 4, 2024, at Sandhya Theatre located at RTC X Roads, where a large crowd gathered for the premiere show in anticipation of Allu Arjun’s arrival. The uncontrolled surge led to a stampede in which 35-year-old Revathi lost her life, while her minor son, Sreethej, suffered oxygen deprivation and remains bedridden due to serious medical complications.
According to the police investigation, the tragedy occurred due to multiple lapses, including failure to follow standard safety norms and poor crowd management.
The theatre’s owners and management have been booked for allegedly ignoring crowd control requirements despite being aware of the actor’s expected presence. Investigators noted that no separate entry or exit routes were arranged for VIP movement, increasing the risk to the public.
Allu Arjun has been named in the chargesheet for allegedly going ahead with his visit despite the volatile situation and for not coordinating adequately with law enforcement agencies. The police report states that permission for the actor’s appearance had earlier been denied, citing safety concerns.
The list of accused includes the actor’s personal manager, members of his staff, and eight private security guards. Investigators claimed that the movement of private bouncers and certain gestures directed at the crowd contributed to panic and triggered the deadly rush.
The police have invoked Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with causing death due to negligence, against the theatre owners. Additional charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have also been applied for causing injury and endangering public safety.
Allu Arjun was briefly taken into custody following the incident in December 2024 but was later released on bail. Authorities stated that the actor has been cooperating with the investigation.
With the filing of the chargesheet, the case has now formally moved into the trial phase. Earlier, the victim’s family had demanded accountability and enhanced compensation to support the continued medical treatment of the injured child.