Actor Allu Arjun arrested: Star power gone wrong; all you need to know

NEW DELHI: Actor Allu Arjun has been taken into custody in connection with the stampede incident that happened at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad, which resulted in the death of a woman and left her young son critically injured.



Here’s a comprehensive look at the incident and its aftermath.





The stampede incident

On the night of December 4, around 9.30 PM, Allu Arjun arrived at Sandhya Theatre accompanied by his personal security. As he made his way into the theatre, the large crowd gathered outside attempted to follow him inside. The situation escalated when his security team allegedly began pushing the crowd, further aggravating an already chaotic scene.

Read also: Actor Allu Arjun requests Telangana high court for urgent hearing

Reports indicate that the crowd’s attempt to enter the lower balcony area en masse, following the actor and his security team, led to severe overcrowding. The stampede that ensued resulted in 35-year-old Revathi losing consciousness and later succumbing to her injuries in the hospital. Her nine-year-old son, Sritej, was also injured and remains hospitalized.

Arrests made

Four days after the incident, Chikkadpally police reported the arrest of three people linked to the stampede.

Those taken into custody include Sandhya Theatre partner M Sandeep, manager M Nagaraju, and G Vijay Chander, who was in charge of the lower balcony. These arrests mark the first official actions taken by authorities in connection with the case.

Allegations against Allu Arjun and Theatre Management

In a formal complaint lodged by Revathi’s husband, he accused Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre’s management of being responsible for his wife’s death. While police have named them as accused, neither the actor nor his security team has been interrogated so far.

Authorities have criticised the theatre’s management and the film’s cast for failing to provide prior notice of the actor’s arrival, which could have allowed for better crowd control measures.

Police statement on the incident

According to the Chikkadpally police, there was no advance intimation from the theatre’s management or Allu Arjun’s team regarding his visit.

This lack of communication left police unprepared to handle the massive crowd that had gathered. Without sufficient security arrangements or designated entry and exit points for the actor’s entourage, the situation spiraled out of control. The police allege that Allu Arjun’s security personnel’s actions contributed to the stampede.

Eyewitness accounts and police response

Eyewitnesses report that thousands of fans had started gathering at the theatre and surrounding areas from as early as 8 PM. By the time Allu Arjun arrived, the crowd’s numbers had swelled significantly, leading to heavy traffic congestion on all roads leading to RTC X Roads.

Upon his arrival, police resorted to a mild lathicharge to manage the crowd and make way for the actor’s vehicle. This only intensified the chaos as several people without tickets forced their way into the theatre’s premises.

During the melee, Revathi and her two children were caught in the surging crowd. Police said Revathi may have been trying to shield her children when she became trapped. While she was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene and rushed to a private hospital in Vidya Nagar, she did not survive. Her son, Sritej, was also revived using CPR and later admitted to a private hospital in Begumpet, where he is currently recovering.

Legal action and next steps

Police have confirmed that a case has been registered, and further action will be taken against all those deemed responsible for the incident.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the theatre’s management, the actor’s team and the police’s crowd control measures. Authorities are under pressure to ensure accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.