Pushpa-2 stampede: Allu Arjun among 23 named in chargesheet; actor listed as abettor

HYDERABAD: Police have filed a chargesheet against 23 people, including Tollywood actor Allu Arjun, nearly a year after a pre-release show of "Pushpa-2" at Sandhya theatre turned deadly, killing a woman and leaving her young son critically wounded.Police commissioner VC Sajjanar on Saturday said the chargesheet was submitted on Dec 24, wrapping up a year-long probe into the Dec 4, 2024, stampede that erupted when fans surged into the theatre complex to catch a glimpse of the actor during the premiere. The crowd swelled after Allu Arjun and other cast members arrived in a rally, drawing far more people than anticipated. Chaos followed inside the premises, due to poor crowd control, resulting in a stampede that killed Revathi, 35. Her eight-year-old son Sri Tej suffered grievous wounds and remained hospitalised for several months. Allu Arjun and the movie's makers extended financial assistance to Revathi's family. Telangana govt also announced compensation. "The investigation found lapses in planning, crowd management, security arrangements and coordination among the theatre management, event organisers, private security personnel and others involved during the programme," Sajjanar said. Chikkadpally police named Sandhya theatre management as the prime accused. Allu Arjun and two of his managers were cited as abettors, with the actor listed as accused No 11. He has been on bail since Jan.Charges were framed under BNS sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 118(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 3(5) (common intention). Police said 14 of the accused were arrested, while nine, who secured anticipatory bail, were served notices. Allu Arjun was arrested on Dec 13, 2024, a day after the case was registered. Telangana high court granted him interim bail the next day, followed later by regular bail.Police alleged Sandhya theatre management allowed the film crew to visit despite denial of permission by authorities. The stampede triggered widespread outrage, raising questions over permissions, police preparedness and accountability. The actor's arrest sparked sharp public and political reactions, prompting CM A Revanth Reddy to address the matter in the state assembly.With the chargesheet filed nearly a year after the tragedy, the probe stands formally closed, clearing the way for trial.