New Delhi, 14 December 2024 – Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, recently released from jail on interim bail, expressed his deep regret over the stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre that claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman and injured her eight-year-old son.
Speaking to the media outside his Jubilee Hills residence on Saturday, the actor apologized to the public and the victim’s family, promising full cooperation with investigators.
“This was an unfortunate and unforeseen incident,” Allu Arjun said. “I extend my heartfelt apologies to the family who suffered this loss. I will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure the investigation is completed and justice is served.”
The tragedy occurred on December 4 during the premiere of Arjun’s film, Pushpa 2: The Rule, when thousands of fans gathered outside Sandhya Theatre to catch a glimpse of the star. The situation spiraled out of control, leading to a stampede that left one person dead and several others injured.
A case was subsequently registered against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management based on a complaint filed by the deceased woman’s family. Arjun was taken into custody on Friday morning and sent to 14 days of judicial remand by a local court.
The Telangana High Court, however, granted the actor interim bail, ruling that there was no prima facie evidence to hold him directly accountable. Justice Juvvadi Sridevi emphasized that Arjun’s role was limited to attending the event, reiterating his fundamental right to life and liberty.
The actor expressed shock over the incident, stating that he has attended film premieres at Sandhya Theatre countless times without issues. “In the last 20 years, I have been there nearly 30 times, and this is the first time such a tragedy has occurred. I am deeply saddened,” he remarked.
Arjun’s arrest and the stampede have sparked political controversy, with BJP and BRS leaders accusing the ruling Congress of exploiting the incident. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defended the government’s actions, asserting, “The law applies equally to all citizens, and the investigation will proceed without bias.”
Public safety concerns and event mismanagement have come under scrutiny following the tragedy, with police continuing their investigation into the role of the theatre management and security personnel.
