In a significant development, the Hyderabad police have formally filed a chargesheet in the tragic stampede case that occurred during a pre-release event for the film Pushpa 2: The Rule nearly a year ago. The legal document names popular actor Allu Arjun among the 23 individuals accused in connection with the incident that resulted in one death and serious injuries.
The Chargesheet and Key Accused
The chargesheet was submitted to the IX Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court in Nampally just two days prior. Police have listed a total of 23 persons as accused in this case. While the management of Sandhya Theatre has been cited as the prime accused, the inclusion of Allu Arjun as Accused No. 11 has drawn widespread attention. The police have charged the actor with abetment, alleging that his sudden arrival at the theatre along with other cast members triggered an uncontrollable rush of fans, leading to the deadly chaos.
Recap of the Tragic Incident
The stampede took place outside Sandhya Theatre at the busy RTC X Roads area in Hyderabad in December 2024. The event was a special pre-release show for the highly anticipated movie Pushpa 2 – The Rule, which was scheduled for a nationwide release the following day. The incident occurred between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm, precisely when Allu Arjun was inside the theatre.
The surge of fans claimed the life of a 32-year-old woman named Revathi. Despite police personnel administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene and rushing her to a private hospital in Vidya Nagar, she succumbed to her injuries. A young boy, who was later revealed to be Revathi's minor son, also fell and lost consciousness in the stampede. He was revived using CPR by the police and taken to a private hospital in Begumpet, where he was reported to be recovering from grievous injuries.
Investigation Findings and Accountability
Subsequent investigations into the catastrophe pointed to a critical failure in inadequate crowd control measures. The police probe concluded that the arrangements for the star-studded event were insufficient to manage the massive fan turnout, directly contributing to the stampede. The filing of the chargesheet marks the culmination of this nearly year-long investigation, setting the stage for legal proceedings to determine culpability.
The case underscores the serious consequences of lapses in public safety during high-profile events. As the judicial process begins, all eyes will be on the court to see how the allegations against the theatre management, the actor, and the other accused are addressed.
