Allu Arjun Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody Over Fatal Stampede at ‘Pushpa 2’ Premiere

Telugu actor Allu Arjun was arrested in connection with a tragic stampede during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2: The Rule at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, which claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman and critically injured her minor son. A Hyderabad court ordered a 14-day judicial remand for the actor.

Arjun was taken into custody from his Jubilee Hills residence amid heightened security and brought to the Chikkadpally Police Station, accompanied by his family, including filmmaker father Allu Arvind. Viral footage captured Arjun wearing a promotional hoodie with the phrase "Flower nahi, fire hai mein" as police escorted him away.

The fatal incident occurred on December 4, when fans flocked to the theatre, causing a crowd surge. The complaint, filed by the victim's husband, alleged mismanagement by the actor's security and the theatre staff. The police charged Arjun under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 118(1) (causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

During the arrest, Arjun reportedly expressed frustration over being taken before completing his breakfast, emphasizing he was detained directly from his bedroom.

The Telangana High Court is reviewing Arjun’s interim bail plea, with his defense drawing parallels to a similar case involving Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees' stampede case, where the Supreme Court granted relief. Advocates argued that actors frequently attend premieres, and responsibility lies with the theatre for crowd control.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, with debates intensifying over accountability in such tragedies. Further investigation continues.