Wed Dec 25 10:47:04 UTC 2024: ## Allu Arjun’s Family, Producers to Pay ₹2 Crore to Family of Woman Killed in ‘Pushpa 2’ Stampede

**Hyderabad, India** – The family of the 35-year-old woman who died in a stampede at a Hyderabad theatre during a special screening of “Pushpa 2: The Rise” will receive ₹2 crore (approximately $240,000 USD) in compensation. The announcement was made Wednesday by Allu Arvind, father of Telugu actor Allu Arjun, whose appearance at the screening is believed to have triggered the incident.

Arvind stated that ₹1 crore will be contributed by his son, with the remaining amount split between the film’s producers, Mythri Movie Makers, and director Sukumar. The compensation aims to assist the victim’s family, particularly her eight-year-old son, Sri Tej, who suffered serious injuries and required a ventilator. Arvind reported that the boy is recovering and breathing independently.

The compensation comes after Allu Arjun was briefly arrested and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder before being released on bail. He had previously offered ₹25 lakh, while the film’s director contributed ₹5 lakh. The victim’s husband has repeatedly stated he does not blame Allu Arjun and intends to withdraw the police complaint. He has also reportedly not told his daughter about her mother’s death.

Police investigations suggest the stampede resulted from an unannounced appearance by Allu Arjun, causing a surge in the crowd outside the Sandhya Theatre. Allu Arjun’s team maintains they informed police of his planned appearance, providing a letter dated December 2nd as evidence. However, police dismissed the letter, stating it lacked sufficient corroboration. Police also allege that Allu Arjun’s impromptu roadshow and the actions of his security team and theatre bouncers exacerbated the situation.

Allu Arjun denies responsibility, claiming he had no control over the crowd’s actions and that he was only waving to fans before entering the theatre. He has criticized what he perceives as misinformation and character assassination surrounding the incident. The investigation into the stampede continues.

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