Hyderabad stampede: Allu Arjun refused to leave theatre despite being informed of woman’s death, say police

Hyderabad: Telugu actor Allu Arjun refused to leave the theatre during the screening of 'Pushpa-2' on December 4, even after being informed about a stampede that claimed a woman’s life, police officials stated on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference on the annual round-up of 2024, city police commissioner C V Anand presented a video compilation, created using news footage and mobile recordings, to illustrate the chaos at the scene, reported PTI. While Anand refrained from commenting on the video, he invited the media to draw their own conclusions.

A police official recounted the events of that night, stating that attempts were made to inform Allu Arjun of the situation. Officers had initially contacted the actor’s manager but were reportedly denied direct access to the star. The manager assured them the message would be conveyed but failed to do so.

The official said he later managed to reach the actor, told him about the woman's death and asked him to leave the theatre so that the fans wouldn't harm each other while trying to catch a glimpse of him.

The official also told the actor that security arrangements would be made for his exit. However, the actor said he would go only after watching the film, the police official said. Later, accompanied by a senior officer, the official went inside and brought the actor out.

Commissioner Anand also addressed allegations that bouncers hired by the actor had manhandled fans and police during the stampede. He warned of strict legal action if the claims were verified, stating that VIPs would be held accountable for the behaviour of their security personnel.

When asked about the possibility of appealing the interim bail granted to Allu Arjun, Anand declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation. He also avoided discussing allegations from the deceased woman’s family that the actor’s team threatened them to stay silent.

Meanwhile, state Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy found fault with Allu Arjun's response on Saturday to the debate in the Legislative Assembly. The minister, who observed that the actor should have respect for the government and the chief minister, demanded an apology from Allu Arjun to the government and the CM. "This government is never vindictive. As Cinematography Minister, we allowed benefit shows and hiking ticket prices to promote the film industry," he said.

However, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar found fault with CM Revanth Reddy for his comments on Allu Arjun in the Assembly on Saturday. The comments of the CM sounded like character assassination of Allu Arjun and hurting the Telugu film industry, he alleged in a statement.

Later in the day, Sanjay Kumar visited a boy who is undergoing treatment in a hospital after being injured in the stampede. "Consoled his father over the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Revathi. I pray to god that Sritej recovers at the earliest. Assured support to the family in this difficult time," Kumar said on X.

Earlier in the day, state DGP Jitender told reporters in Karimnagar district that film personalities and all others should understand that the safety and security of citizens are of utmost importance and also conduct themselves accordingly.