Allu Arjun, the star of the blockbuster film "Pushpa 2: The Rule," is set to appear virtually before the Nampally Criminal Court in Hyderabad on Monday. The court summons requires his presence in connection with the stampede that occurred at Sandhya Theatre in December 2024 during the film's premiere.
Virtual Appearance Granted Due to Shooting Schedule
According to a statement from his legal team, the actor sought permission to appear virtually because of his ongoing movie shoot in Mumbai. The court has granted this request, allowing him to join the proceedings via video conferencing.
Allu Arjun is one of the 23 individuals named as accused in the case filed by Chikkadpally Police following the tragic incident.
The Stampede Incident at Sandhya Theatre
The stampede took place on December 4, 2024, during a special screening of "Pushpa 2: The Rule." The theatre had allowed more people than its capacity, leading to a chaotic situation. A woman named Revathi died in the stampede, and several others were injured, including her son who sustained serious injuries.
The police have filed a detailed chargesheet in the case, highlighting negligence in crowd management and inadequate security arrangements. The court had directed all accused, including Allu Arjun, to appear in person to hear the case.
Arrest and Bail Timeline
Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13, 2024, and produced before a local court, which sent him to 14 days of judicial custody. However, he approached the Telangana High Court later the same day, which granted him interim bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000. He spent approximately 18 hours in police custody before being released.
After his release, Arjun held a press conference where he expressed his condolences. He stated, "This was all an accident. I had gone to the cinema hall with my family to watch the film. This incident happened outside, and I have no direct involvement in it. I stand with the victim’s family and will help them in any way possible."
Legal Proceedings Continue
The court has been hearing the case regarding the lapses in security and crowd control that led to the tragedy. The virtual appearance of Allu Arjun is part of the ongoing legal process to determine accountability.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about safety measures at public events and the responsibilities of celebrities and organizers. The case continues to be closely watched by the film industry and the public alike.
