Fri Dec 13 12:11:36 UTC 2024: ## Tollywood Superstar Allu Arjun Arrested in Stampede Case

**Hyderabad, India** – Popular Telugu actor Allu Arjun was arrested Friday and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with a stampede at a Hyderabad theatre during the premiere of his film, *Pushpa 2: The Rule*. The incident, which occurred on December 4th at Sandhya Theatre, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman and injuries to her nine-year-old son.

Police from the Chikkadpally station took Arjun into custody at his Jubilee Hills residence and questioned him at the station. Three others were also arrested: M. Sandeep and M. Nagaraju, theatre owners, and Gandhakam Vijay Chander, who managed the theatre’s lower balcony. All are accused of negligence leading to the stampede.

The arrest sparked immediate public reaction. While some fans rallied outside the police station in support, others expressed concern, and some even speculated the arrest was a publicity stunt. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan voiced his opinion that it was unfair to place sole blame on Arjun for the safety protocols. BJP leader T. Raja Singh criticized the arrest, questioning the police’s handling of security requests from the theatre management. Similarly, K.T. Rama Rao, working president of the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi, criticized the arrest, calling it indicative of the ruling government’s insecurity. In contrast, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that the government had no role and the law was taking its course. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay condemned the arrest, calling it a disgraceful act and highlighting the government’s failure to manage the crowd.

Adding to the complexities of the case, the deceased woman’s husband stated he intends to withdraw his complaint, asserting that Arjun was not responsible for the tragedy. A letter from Sandhya Theatre’s management requesting police security for the premiere has also emerged, raising questions about the adequacy of the police response.

Arjun’s lawyers filed a quash petition with the Telangana High Court, seeking to overturn the FIR. The High Court briefly adjourned a hearing on the petition before it was postponed. Following a medical examination, Arjun was presented before the Nampally Court. Charges against Arjun and the others include culpable homicide not amounting to murder and voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous means, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The situation remains highly charged as legal proceedings continue.

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