Vishwa Shandilya
Hyderabad, December 12, 2024
Popular Tollywood actor Allu Arjun has been taken into judicial custody following his alleged involvement in a stampede incident at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad, which resulted in multiple injuries and chaos earlier this month. The incident occurred during a promotional event for his latest blockbuster, attracting thousands of fans beyond the venue’s capacity.
Details of the Incident
The stampede reportedly broke out as fans attempted to catch a glimpse of the actor, overwhelming security arrangements. The Chikkadpally police registered a case citing negligence and failure to adhere to crowd control protocols. Reports suggest the organizers had secured permissions for a limited audience but admitted over three times the allowed number, leading to the tragic turn of events.
Legal Proceedings
Allu Arjun was detained by the Chikkadpally police on Wednesday and later remanded to judicial custody at Chanchalguda Jail. A charge of public endangerment and negligence has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
High-profile lawyer and Telangana advocate general S. Niranjan Reddy has taken up Arjun’s defense, filing a quash petition at the Telangana High Court. The actor’s legal team has also sought interim bail, which is expected to be heard later this week.
Allu Arjun’s Statement
While being escorted to judicial custody, Allu Arjun addressed reporters briefly, expressing sorrow over the incident. “I am deeply pained by what happened at Sandhya Theatre. My intention was to celebrate with my fans, but I never anticipated such a tragedy. I have full faith in the judiciary and will cooperate fully with the investigation,” he stated.
Public and Industry Reaction
The news of Arjun’s arrest has shocked his fans and the Tollywood industry. Many celebrities, including his father, producer Allu Aravind, and wife Sneha Reddy, have extended their support to the actor. Social media is flooded with #JusticeForAlluArjun, as fans demand his release, citing the responsibility of event organizers for crowd management.
Stampede Case Context
This incident has reignited discussions about the safety of large-scale events in India. Experts point to a lack of stringent regulations and enforcement around crowd control, which often leads to such mishaps.
Next Steps
The Telangana High Court will decide on the actor’s bail plea in the coming days. In the meantime, the Chikkadpally police continue to probe the role of the event organizers and other involved parties.
As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the proceedings, with fans and critics awaiting further developments in this high-profile legal battle.
