Hyderabad: Telugu actor Allu Arjun was questioned by Hyderabad Police on Tuesday regarding a stampede at a city theatre earlier this month that claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old child critically injured.
The 41-year-old actor was summoned on Monday to assist in the investigation. During questioning, police reportedly asked:
- Were you aware that police permission for your presence at the premiere had been denied?
- Who decided to proceed with the plan for your attendance despite the lack of permission?
- Did any police officer inform you about the stampede outside the theatre?
- When were you informed about the woman’s death?
These questions align with the investigation’s focus, as sources told NDTV, on whether Mr. Arjun had authorization to appear at the theatre and to interact with fans outside. The theatre is located in a densely populated area with other cinema halls nearby.
Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13, nine days after the stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre. He was later sent to judicial custody for 14 days.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, hours later, the Telangana High Court granted Mr. Arjun interim bail, citing his fundamental right to liberty and raising concerns about potential police overreach. “Just because he is an actor… he cannot be detained like this,” the court remarked.
Police have alleged that Allu Arjun’s unannounced visit to the theatre for a special screening of his new film triggered the stampede, as a massive crowd of fans surged forward to catch a glimpse of the actor. In the chaos that ensued, a young woman lost her life.
The victim, identified as Revathi, and her eight-year-old son were pulled from the crush by police officers, who administered emergency first aid before rushing them to the hospital.
According to the police, Mr. Arjun arrived at the theatre around 9:30 p.m., entering through the main gate and spending 15–20 minutes outside. As word of his presence spread, hundreds of fans gathered. Attempts by his security team and the theatre’s bouncers to control the crowd reportedly escalated the situation, leading to the fatal stampede.
Police claim that by the time the chaos unfolded, the actor had already entered the theatre, allegedly after conducting an impromptu roadshow despite prior warnings.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand criticized the behaviour of the bouncers, describing it as “reckless.” He stated, “Despite the presence of the public and police, they pushed everyone aside. Their sole focus was on the VIP (Mr. Arjun).”
Mr. Arjun has refuted claims of holding a roadshow, stating, “I just waved to people and went inside. No police officer asked me to leave. My manager informed me about the crowd and suggested I leave.”
Through his office, the actor has also disputed the police’s assertion that they were unaware of his visit. Shortly after his arrest, a letter dated 48 hours before the screening was made public. The letter requested security arrangements for Mr. Arjun and his co-stars during their visit to the theatre.
The police have countered the claims, stating that no specific details were provided and that neither Mr. Arjun’s security team nor the theatre management followed the required protocol of making the request in person.
Mr. Arjun, along with his security team, the theatre owner, and its general and security managers, has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The theatre owner and staff, among six people arrested after Mr. Arjun, have since been granted bail.
Fellow actors have come to Mr. Arjun’s defense, arguing that he cannot be held accountable for the actions of others. The actor himself has denied any responsibility for the tragic death, describing the allegations as baseless.
At a press conference on Saturday, Mr. Arjun called the incident “very unfortunate” and criticized what he referred to as “misinformation” and “character assassination” aimed at him.
Public sentiment remains divided. On Sunday, protesters gathered outside Allu Arjun’s residence, with some breaching the compound and vandalizing property. They reportedly broke flower pots and hurled tomatoes at the building while shouting slogans, before being removed from the premises.
In contrast, the woman’s husband told NDTV on Monday that he does not hold the actor responsible for the stampede and is willing to withdraw the police case against him. He also expressed gratitude for the “full support” received from Mr. Arjun.
The actor has announced financial assistance of ₹25 lakh for the family, while the producers of his film Pushpa 2: The Rise have pledged an additional ₹50 lakh.
