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Tollywood superstar Allu Arjun was arrested by Hyderabad police on Friday in connection with a tragic stampede-like incident that occurred during the grand premiere of his latest film, Pushpa-2: The Rule, on December 4.
The incident, which took place at a packed theatre in Hyderabad, led to chaos among the audience, resulting in the unfortunate death of a 35-year-old woman who reportedly suffocated in the overcrowded venue. Her nine-year-old son was also severely affected and had to be hospitalised due to asphyxiation. The incident has drawn significant public attention, raising concerns over crowd management and safety protocols at large-scale events.
Telangana High Court’s verdict on Allu Arjun
Justice Juvvadi Sridevi of Telangana High Court noted that Allu Arjun could not be directly blamed for the incident as he attended the movie premiere with the necessary permission. The Court dismissed claims by the State that Allu Arjun should have anticipated such an incident at the event.
The judge questioned whether someone could be jailed merely for being an actor without proof of responsibility for the tragedy. Highlighting his rights, the Court emphasised that Allu Arjun, like any citizen, is entitled to life and liberty.
The Pushpa 2 star was granted interim bail on a personal bond of ₹50,000 and was instructed to cooperate with the investigation without interference.
Allu Arjun’s medical examination and other details
After his arrest, Allu Arjun underwent a medical examination, reportedly conducted at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad. According to a Times Now report, the actor has consulted his legal counsel, seeking an urgent hearing for his plea in the High Court. Two days earlier, he filed a petition requesting the dismissal of the case against him related to the stampede incident. The charges pressed fall under Sections 105 and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which address culpable homicide not amounting to murder and voluntarily causing hurt.
In addition to Allu Arjun, authorities arrested three others connected to the incident: M. Sandeep, co-owner of Sandhya Theatre; senior manager M. Nagaraju; and Gandhakam Vijay Chander, who oversaw the theatre’s lower balcony, for their alleged roles in the stampede.
About Pushpa 2: The Rule
Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers in collaboration with Sukumar Writings, stars Allu Arjun in the lead role alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, and others. The sequel to Pushpa: The Rise (2021), it continues the story of Pushpa, a labourer-turned-sandalwood smuggler, as he battles to protect his empire against fierce challenges from the police, led by Shekhawat.
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