The arrest of Tollywood superstar Allu Arjun following a tragic stampede at a *Pushpa 2: The Rule* screening in Hyderabad has sparked significant controversy. Hours after his detention, reports circulated alleging police mistreatment. However, Hyderabad police swiftly issued a clarification on Friday, defending their actions and refuting claims of misconduct.
The incident occurred on December 4th at the Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of the highly anticipated film. A massive crowd gathered, eager for a glimpse of Allu Arjun, resulting in a stampede. Tragically, a 35-year-old woman lost her life, and her 8-year-old son remains hospitalized in critical condition on a ventilator, even after nine days.
The police investigation revealed that while Sandhya Cine Enterprise had requested police bandobast (security arrangements) for the event, they failed to properly engage with authorities to discuss necessary security measures. Although some crowd management was provided, the situation escalated drastically when Allu Arjun arrived. According to police accounts, the actor appeared in the sunroof of his vehicle, waving to the enthusiastic crowd. Simultaneously, his security detail began pushing back the throng, exacerbating the already tense situation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Zone, Hyderabad City, released a statement addressing the allegations of mistreatment. He confirmed that Allu Arjun was given time to change clothes before his arrest and categorically denied any use of force or mistreatment. The statement asserts that he had ample opportunity to speak with his family before being taken into custody. The police’s clarification specifically addresses the allegations that circulated on social media.
The police emphasized that while they receive numerous requests for security during high-profile events, limited resources prevent them from fulfilling every request. They maintain that it was Allu Arjun’s actions, specifically his appearance in the sunroof and the subsequent pushing of the crowd by his security team, despite being warned to return to avoid overcrowding, that directly contributed to the chaos and subsequent tragedy. The police assertion is that this directly resulted in the stampede and the resulting death and injuries. They stayed at the theatre for more than two hours after this despite being advised to leave.
Following the incident, a case was registered against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station, based on the complaint filed by the deceased woman’s family. Allu Arjun was granted temporary bail on Saturday morning after spending a night in Hyderabad Central Jail. The events highlight the delicate balance between celebrity appearances, public safety, and the limitations of police resources. The ongoing investigation will determine the full extent of responsibility for this devastating incident.
