Sandhya Theatre Stampede to Allu Arjun Arrest: Timeline of Events
By : Sandeep Erukala
Update: 2024-12-13 11:29 GMT
Actor Allu Arjun was arrested on Friday in connection with the death of a woman during a benefit show of the film on December 4. A stampede-like situation took place at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, while the actor was present. The chaos resulted in the death of a 39-year-old woman and caused injuries to a child. Here’s a timeline of events.
The Stampede Incident
On December 4, Allu Arjun attended a special screening of Pushpa 2 at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad. The victim was identified as M Revathi, who had attended the premiere with her husband and their kids. According to the police, the stampede occurred when the theatre gates, unable to withstand the pressure of the surging crowd, collapsed.
The stampede resulted in the death of a 39 year old woman and caused injuries to a child.
Mythri Movie Makers’ Statement
The film’s producers, Mythri Movie Makers, issued a statement on social media. They posted on December 5, “We are extremely heartbroken by the tragic incident during last night’s screening. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the young child undergoing medical treatment. We are committed to standing by them and extending all possible support during this difficult time. With deep sorrow.”
The Charges against the theatre management and Allu Arjun
A case was filed against the Sandhya Theatre management, Allu Arjun, and his security team following the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Central Zone, Hyderabad Police, Akshansh Yadav told the media, “A case has been filed under BNS section 105 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 118(1) r/w 3(5) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt) at Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint of the family members of the deceased person. It is being investigated. Stringent action as per law will be taken against all the persons responsible for the chaotic situation inside the theatre leading to the death of a person and injury to others.”
Allu Arjun’s Statement
In a video posted on social media on December 6, Allu Arjun said, “Deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre. 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. While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extend every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey.” The actor also shared that he is donating Rs 25 lakhds to the family and will bear their medical expenses.
At the film’s success meet on December 7, Allu Arjun once again spoke about the tragedy, and said that it took him hours to process it. “A very unfortunate incident took place at Sandhya Cinema. We are extremely sorry for that. I had no idea about it until the next morning. When I heard about it on December 5, I was in shock. It took me hours to process it and respond to the incident. I couldn’t process it psychologically. It took me around 10 hours. We all blanked out when we heard the news. Sukumar got extremely emotional,” he said at the event.
Quash Petitions filed by Sandhya Theatre Management and Allu Arjun
Sandhya theatre management and the actor Allu Arjun filed petetions seperately in Telangana High Court to quash FIR filed against them in connection with the stampede icident Seperately pon December 12.
The Arrest
On December 13, Allu Arjun was taken into custody by a team from Chikkadpally police station, where the case was registered.
14 days judicial custody
Following the arrest, the actor Allu Arjun was produced in Nampally court. The court remanded him to 14 days judicial custody.