Hyderabad police have filed charges against actor Allu Arjun's team and the management of Sandhya 70mm Theatre following the death of a woman during a stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule on Wednesday night. The police reported that neither the theatre management nor Allu Arjun's team informed anyone about the actor's visit before the event. Additionally, the theatre management did not implement any extra security measures to control the large crowd.
Both the actor's team and the theatre management are being charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. This case was initiated based on a complaint from the family of the deceased and has been registered at Chikkadpally Police Station under relevant legal sections.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Zone, Akshansh Yadav, has stated that the investigation is ongoing and promised strict actions against those responsible for the chaos that resulted in one person's death and injuries to others.
The DCP detailed the events leading up to the incident, noting that Pushpa 2's premiere was scheduled for 9:40 p.m. at the Sandhya 70mm Theatre in Chikkadpally, RTC X Road. A large crowd gathered, eager to watch the movie and possibly see the lead actors. However, there was no public announcement regarding Allu Arjun's presence, and the theatre did not arrange for additional security. There were also no separate entrances for the actor's team, even though the theatre management was aware they were coming.
At around 9:30 p.m., Allu Arjun arrived with his personal security, prompting the crowd to surge towards the entrance. This caused his security team to push against the public, worsening the situation in the already packed theatre. Many people, drawn by the commotion, forced their way into the lower balcony area alongside the actor and his security.
Also Read: 'Pushpa 2' Premiere Stampede: Makers Issue Statement After Woman Dies Outside Theatre
The police reported that a woman named Revathi (35) and her son Sri Tej (13) were among those who became suffocated due to the overcrowding. Police on duty managed to pull them from the throng and performed CPR on Sri Tej. They were rushed to Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital, where doctors confirmed Revathi's death, and Sri Tej was recommended for transfer to another facility for further treatment.