Hyderabad: The Hyderabad police have filed a charge sheet against 23 individuals, including top Telugu actor Allu Arjun, in connection with the death of a woman during a stampede at the premiere of the film Pushpa 2 at Sandhya Theatre last year.
The charge sheet, filed on December 24, names the theatre’s owner, partners, manager, lower balcony in-charge, and gatekeeper as accused numbers 1 to 10, with Allu Arjun listed as accused number 11.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar stated that the investigation into the Sandhya theatre stampede case has been completed. The probe found lapses in planning, crowd management, security arrangements, and coordination among theatre management, event organisers, private security personnel, and others involved during the incident.
“Following a comprehensive and detailed probe, a charge sheet was filed before the court on December 24. A total of 23 accused have been charge-sheeted in the case. Of these, 14 accused were arrested, while nine accused, who obtained anticipatory bail, were served notices,” the Commissioner said. Further proceedings will continue as per law.
The tragedy occurred on December 4, 2024, when fans gathered for the premiere of Pushpa 2. A 35-year-old woman died, and her eight-year-old son was injured in the ensuing stampede. The case was registered against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Chikkadpally police station, based on a complaint by the deceased woman’s family.
Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13, 2024, and released the following day after the Telangana High Court granted interim bail; he later secured regular bail. Both Allu Arjun and the makers of Pushpa extended financial assistance to the boy’s family, while the Telangana government also announced compensation.
With PTI inputs