Telugu actor Allu Arjun appeared before the Chikkadpally police in Hyderabad today at 11 am, following a notice issued in connection with the tragic stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2. The incident, which occurred on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre, claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman, M. Revathi, and left her nine-year-old son critically injured. The police are attempting to establish a detailed timeline of events that led to the tragedy.
Timeline of Events Under Scrutiny
Police sources revealed that Allu Arjun left his home after 9 pm on the night of December 4 to attend the highly-anticipated Pushpa 2 premiere at Sandhya Theatre, where a massive crowd had gathered. Investigators are keen to reconstruct the sequence of events following his departure to build their case and include comprehensive details in the charge sheet.
The FIR filed in the case names Allu Arjun and the owners of Sandhya Theatre as the accused. Arjun, who was arrested on December 13 and released on interim bail the same day, is required to cooperate with the investigation as per the conditions of his bail.
Actor Summoned for Clarity
The Notice for Appearance issued by the Chikkadpally police station stated the necessity of Arjun’s presence to provide answers regarding the incident and potentially revisit the scene of the stampede.
The notice emphasized, “The case is under investigation, and your presence is essential before the undersigned officer to elicit answers about the incident and, if necessary, for visiting the scene of the offense to ascertain the facts.”
The actor, accompanied by his lawyer Ashok Reddy, father Allu Arvind, and father-in-law K. Chandrashekar Reddy, arrived at the police station to fulfill his obligations under the bail conditions.
War of Words Escalates
The investigation has been marred by a heated exchange between Allu Arjun and the ruling dispensation led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The police and the state government have accused Arjun of failing to comply with orders on the night of the stampede, which allegedly contributed to the chaotic events.
Arjun, however, has vehemently denied these allegations, claiming that the accusations are part of a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation. His team has maintained that the actor adhered to all guidelines and was unaware of the potential for such a tragic outcome.
Legal and Public Implications
The Pushpa 2 stampede has brought to light serious concerns about crowd management and public safety during high-profile events. The tragic death of M. Revathi and the critical condition of her son have intensified calls for accountability, not only from the organizers but also from public figures associated with such events.
Arjun’s legal team has emphasized his cooperation with the investigation while distancing him from the operational aspects of the premiere. However, his presence at the event and his influence over the massive turnout have raised questions about the responsibilities of celebrities in ensuring public safety.
A Case Far From Resolved
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on unraveling the circumstances that led to the stampede. While Allu Arjun’s questioning is a step toward establishing accountability, the case underscores the need for stricter regulations and better planning for public events involving celebrities.
For now, the tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of inadequate safety measures and the immense responsibility borne by all stakeholders in ensuring such events do not end in tragedy.