Hyderabad police arrest three for stampede during Pushpa 2 premiere show

Hyderabad: Three people were arrested by the Hyderabad police in connection with the tragic incident at Sandhya 70mm Theatre, which resulted in the death of a 39-year-old woman and injuries to her son during the premiere show of Pushpa 2: The Rule on December 4, according to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Zone.

Following a complaint by the deceased woman's husband, Chikkadpally police registered a case against the Tollywood actor Allu Arjun, his security team, the owner of Sandhya Theatre and others in connection with the stampede-like situation that unfolded due to the actor's arrival at the theatre. The case was booked under sections of 105, 118(1) r/w 3(5) under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita Act.

The arrested persons were identified as M. Sandeep (37), (One of the Owners of Sandhya 70 mm), M. Nagaraju (51), (Senior Manager, Sandhya 70 mm Theatre) and Sri Gandhakam Vijay Chander (53) (Lower Balcony Incharge). They were produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody.

Around 9:30 p.m, actor Allu Arjun came to Sandhya theatre with his personal security. Along with the actor and his security team, a large number of people entered inside the lower balcony area. Due to the large crowd, Revathi (deceased woman) and her 13-year-old son Sreethej experienced suffocation. The doctors at Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital declared her brought dead while her son is undergoing treatment at a hospital,” the police official said.

The theatre management also did not make any additional provisions regarding security to manage the crowd, he added.

It may be noted here that following the incident, Allu Arjun expressed his condolences to the grieving family and announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the deceased's family.