A tragic incident at the premiere of a highly anticipated film in Hyderabad has led to the arrest of popular Indian actor Allu Arjun.
The actor, known for his role in the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, was involved in a crowd crush that killed a 39-year-old woman and left her son critically injured.
The incident occurred last week when Allu Arjun made a surprise appearance at the screening of Pushpa 2, the sequel to his 2021 hit.
The crush happened as the actor’s arrival triggered chaos at the venue, where a large crowd had gathered.
According to the police, the actor’s security team pushed through the crowd, escalating the situation further.
Hyderabad Police Chief CV Anand confirmed that the actor had arrived at the theatre without prior notice or communication from either his team or the theatre management.
“There was no intimation from the side of the theatre management or the actor’s team that they would be visiting,” he said.
As the situation escalated, panic spread among the audience, with many struggling to escape the overcrowded venue.
In the chaos, a 39-year-old woman and her nine-year-old son were pulled from the crowd after feeling suffocated.
Both were rushed to the hospital, but despite receiving first aid, the woman tragically passed away.
Her son, though critically injured, was transferred to another hospital and continues to receive treatment.
The police arrested Allu Arjun, along with his security team and the theatre’s management staff.
The charges filed against the actor included culpable homicide, a serious accusation that typically carries severe consequences.
The arrest of such a prominent figure is unusual in India, where crowd-related accidents often occur due to lax safety measures and poor crowd management.
However, it is rare for celebrities to face legal consequences for such incidents.
In this case, the actor was initially sentenced to 14 days in police custody, but a local high court later granted him bail.
Allu Arjun’s lawyer argued that the actor could not be held responsible for the tragedy, claiming the crush took place on a different floor from where he was located.
Despite the legal proceedings, Allu Arjun expressed deep regret over the incident.
Shortly after the news of the tragedy broke, the actor took to social media to express his sorrow.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic incident,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time. I want to assure them they are not alone in this pain and will meet the family personally.”
In a show of support for the victim’s family, Allu Arjun announced a financial donation of 2.5 million rupees ($29,480) to the woman’s family.
He also promised to cover all the medical expenses for her son.
The studio behind Pushpa 2, Mythri Movie Makers, also issued a statement expressing their condolences.
“We are committed to standing by them and extending all possible support during this difficult time,” the statement read.
This incident has raised concerns about crowd control measures at large events in India, especially during the premiere of films and other high-profile gatherings.
Police are continuing their investigation into the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Despite the arrest and charges, Allu Arjun’s fans have shown their support for the actor, with many expressing sympathy for his own emotional distress.
The actor, who has built a massive following across India and beyond, is known for his philanthropic efforts and strong connection with his audience.
Many fans are hopeful that the incident will lead to better safety measures at public events to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
