NEW DELHI: Telugu Actor Allu Arjun termed the accusations over the Sandhya Theatre stampede during the premiere of his film ‘Pushpa 2: the Rule‘ part of a campaign of “character assassination” as Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday said the actor was denied permission for the visit by the police.
The incident on December 4 led to the death of a woman, Revathi, and injuries to her son, Sri Tej.
Allu Arjun in a press conference at his Jubilee Hills residence described the incident as “very unfortunate” and offered his condolences. “It is a very unfortunate incident. It is completely an accident. My condolences to the family. I am taking updates every hour about the condition of the child (hospitalised). His condition is improving, it is very good. There is a lot of misinformation, false allegations are being made. I don’t want to blame any department or politician. My character is being assassinated,” he said.
The controversy escalated after AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi criticised the actor in the Telangana Assembly, alleging “irresponsible behaviour” during the tragedy. Owaisi without taking any name accused Arjun of continuing to watch the film despite being informed about the stampede. “I do not want to name that famous film star, but as per my knowledge, when that film star was told that there was a stampede outside the theatre, two children had fallen and a woman had died, then that star smiled and said that ‘the film is going to be a hit now,'” Owaisi claimed.
Also read: ‘Pushpa 2’ stampede: Allu Arjun was denied police permission, says Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy condemned Allu Arjun’s actions, accusing him of holding a roadshow that worsened the crowd chaos. Speaking in the assembly, the CM said, “The police refused a request from AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi to facilitate the cast and crew’s visit to Sandhya Theatre, citing safety concerns. Despite this, the hero came to watch the movie and got out of the car roof, doing a roadshow at RTC X road.”
Reddy described the aftermath, stating, “The police saw their predicament and shifted them to a hospital where Revathi was declared dead on arrival. The boy was in a critical condition. After the stampede, the ACP went to ask the hero to leave to gain control of the mob. At first, the actor refused, saying that he would leave after finishing the movie. Then the DCP had to intervene, asking the hero to leave or he would be arrested as two people had already fallen outside.”
The CM emphasised that no special privileges would be extended to anyone. “Protecting the lives of people is the highest priority of my government,” he said.
Allu Arjun was arrested following the incident but secured bail from the Telangana High Court on December 16 after furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000. He expressed his concern for the injured victim, stating that he had been advised not to visit Sri Tej due to “ongoing legal proceedings” but assured support for his medical needs.
Meanwhile, Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar and starring Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, continues to break box office records despite the controversy.