I respect law, will cooperate, says Allu Arjun after walking out of Hyderbad jail

Hyderabad: Tollywood actor Allu Arjun who spent a night in Hyderabad central jail after getting arrested in the death of a woman in a stampede at a theatre told media that as a law abiding citizen, he would cooperate with further proceedings in the case. Talking to the media after walking out of jail, the 'Pushpa' actor thanked all for their love and support to him. Though he obtained bail from Telangana High Court on Friday itself, he was forced to spend a night behind bars as the jail authorities had not received a copy of the bail order until late night.

While addressing the media, Allu Arjun also declared that he would support the family of the woman who was killed in the tragic accident at the theatre.

"I thank everyone for the love and support. I want to thank all my fans. There is nothing to worry about. I am fine. I am a law-abiding citizen, I respect the law and will cooperate. I would like to once again express my condolences to the family. It was an unfortunate incident. We are sorry for what happened. It was purely out of my personal control. I have been going to the theatre to watch my films for the last 15 years. I will be there for the family to support them. We cannot cover the loss of the person. In whatever possible way, I will be there for the family," said Allu Arjun.

Immediately after the release, the 42-year-old actor was driven to his residence and he was seen hugging his family.

The actor's lawyer claimed that the prison authorities did not release the actor despite having got the High Court order copy.

"You should question the government and the department why they have not released the accused. The High Court order is very specific. Forthwith, the moment you (prison authorities) receive the order, ( they should) release him. Despite the clear order, they have not released, they have to answer. This is an illegal detention. We will take legal steps, Reddy said.

Arjun was kept in the jail as a "special category prisoner", he added.

The actor was arrested from his residence on Friday morning unfolding a day-long dramatic turn of events. After the arrest, he was produced in a local court which remanded him to 14 days' judicial custody. However, his lawyers moved the HC and secured interim bail. Apart from Arjun, the owners of the theatre who were booked in the case also obtained bail in the case.

Arjun was lodged in Chanchalguda prison shortly before the HC spelt its order.

A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was hospitalised on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when thousands of fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of the blockbuster 'Pushpa 2: The Rule,'.

Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint lodged by the deceased woman's family.

Meanwhile, police stepped up security outside the actor's city residence anticipating a surge of fans post his release.