In a shocking incident highlighting severe security lapses, Bollywood actress Nidhhi Agerwal was mobbed and physically pushed during a promotional event for the upcoming Telugu film 'Raja Saab' in Hyderabad. The chaotic scene, captured on video, has led to widespread outrage and subsequent legal action.
Chaos Erupts at Film Promotion
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at a mall in the upscale Banjara Hills area of Hyderabad. Agerwal was present alongside the film's lead actor, superstar Prabhas, to promote their movie. As the actors engaged with the media and fans, the crowd suddenly turned unruly. A viral video clip shows a dense throng of people surging towards the stage, completely overwhelming the security personnel.
In the footage, Nidhhi Agerwal is seen being jostled and violently pushed from behind by the uncontrolled crowd. The actress appears visibly distressed and struggles to maintain her balance as people press in from all sides. The security team, seemingly understaffed and unprepared for the frenzy, failed to create a protective cordon, leaving the performers vulnerable.
Police Take Action Against Organisers
Following the circulation of the video and subsequent complaints, the Hyderabad Police registered a case against the event organisers. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Banjara Hills police station. Authorities have invoked sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to negligence and endangering the safety of others.
The police action underscores the legal responsibility of event management companies to ensure adequate crowd control and safety measures for both celebrities and the public. The primary allegation is that the organisers failed to make proper security arrangements, despite anticipating a large turnout for a star of Prabhas's magnitude. This negligence directly led to the dangerous situation.
Aftermath and Industry Concerns
The incident has sparked a significant debate about celebrity security at public events in India. Fans and industry observers have flooded social media, condemning the lack of professionalism and planning. Many have pointed out that such mobbing situations can quickly escalate into stampedes, causing serious injury or worse.
While Nidhhi Agerwal has not made a detailed public statement since the event, the visual evidence speaks volumes about the trauma of the experience. The actress is a prominent figure in Telugu and Hindi cinema, known for films like 'Mercury' and 'Ek Mini Katha'.
This is not an isolated incident. Several Indian celebrities have faced similar mobbing scenarios at airports, film promotions, and public appearances, raising persistent questions about the efficacy of private security and police coordination. The case filed in Hyderabad sets a precedent, indicating that law enforcement may increasingly hold organisers accountable for such lapses.
The focus now shifts to the ongoing police investigation and whether other stakeholders will face scrutiny. The production house behind 'Raja Saab' and the mall management may also be questioned about their role in approving the event plans. The industry awaits to see if this legal action leads to stricter enforcement of safety protocols for all future public engagements.
