13 December 2024
Hyderabad

Allu Arjun, who is riding high on the monstrous success of Pushpa: The Rule, was arrested by Chikkadpally police station on Friday in connection with the stampede that occurred during the premiere of Pushpa 2 on December 4, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old woman, Revathi, while leaving her son Sreethej critically injured.

Following the incident, the deceased’s family lodged a complaint at Chikkadapally Police Station. A case has been registered under Sections 105 and 118(1) read with 3(5) of the BNS Act. The theatre’s owner, general manager, and security manager were arrested on December 8.

Many fans thronged the venue, and tensions flared when Arjun’s security team allegedly used aggressive force to control the crowd. This action toppled many people, leading to a stampede. The actor’s team reportedly entered through an already packed area, ensuing in more damage.

The police had to resort to lathi-charge to control the mob.

According to the police, neither the theatre management nor the actor’s team had informed authorities about his visit, which led to the tragedy.

On Friday, Arjun was approached by a task force team at his residence in Hyderabad, after which they took him to Chikkadpally station. The actor was seen asking his wife Sneha to remain brave. His father Allu Aravind wanted to accompany him to the station but Arjun politely asked him to get him down.

At the station, his statement was recorded and reportedly he is being sent to Gandhi Hospital for a health checkup.

Earlier this week, the actor filed a petition at the Telangana High Court seeking the quashing of the case registered against him. The case will be heard later today.

Meanwhile, the actor’s arrest took a political turn as well, with former minister KTR labeling the arrest as ‘the pinnacle of insecurity of the rulers’. “Arrest of National Award winning star Allu Arjun is the pinnacle of insecurity of the rulers! I totally sympathize with the victims of the stampede but who failed really? Treating @alluarjun Garu as a common criminal is uncalled for especially for something he isn’t directly responsible. There is always space for respect & dignified conduct. I strongly condemn the high handed behaviour of Govt Going by the same perverse logic, Revanth Reddy should be arrested for causing the death of two innocent people who died in Hyderabad because of the fear psychosis caused by Hydra,” he wrote on X on Friday.