Hyderabad police have formally charged actor Allu Arjun and 22 others in connection with a deadly stampede that occurred during a pre-release screening of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ nearly one year ago. The incident at Sandhya 70mm Theatre in RTC X Roads resulted in the death of one woman and left multiple attendees injured.
The comprehensive chargesheet, filed by Chikkadpally police earlier this week, identifies the prominent actor as ‘Accused No. 11’ alongside his personal security detail, theater management, event organizers, bouncers, and members of the actor’s fan association. According to official statements from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, the accused include 14 individuals who were arrested and nine others granted anticipatory bail.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ramesh Kumar confirmed that one injured victim continues to receive medical treatment nearly twelve months after the December 4, 2024 tragedy. The fatal stampede occurred during highly anticipated preview screenings of the much-awaited sequel to Allu Arjun’s blockbuster film ‘Pushpa: The Rise’.
The legal action represents a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to crowd management practices at major film events across India. The chargesheet suggests multiple parties shared responsibility for ensuring public safety during the high-profile event that attracted massive crowds despite the potential risks.
This case marks a rare instance of criminal charges being brought against a top-tier Indian film star in connection with event-related casualties, setting a potential precedent for celebrity accountability in similar incidents moving forward.