Popular Indian actor Allu Arjun was arrested and later released on bail following a tragic crowd crush at a film premiere in Hyderabad, which resulted in the death of a woman and critical injuries to her son.
The incident occurred during the screening of Pushpa 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise. Arjun made an unannounced appearance at the theatre, drawing massive crowds. According to police, the lack of prior intimation and actions by the actor’s security team contributed to the chaos.
Tragic Incident at the Theatre
A 39-year-old woman and her nine-year-old son were caught in the crush as the crowd surged. They were rescued and given first aid, but the woman succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, while her son remains under treatment.
Authorities filed charges of culpable homicide against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre’s management staff. The theatre owner and two employees had already been arrested prior to the actor’s detainment.
Arrest and Bail
On Friday, police took Arjun into custody from his home and presented him before a local court, which initially sentenced him to 14 days in police custody. However, hours later, the high court granted him bail.
In court, Arjun’s lawyer argued that the actor was not directly responsible for the incident, stating that the crush occurred on a different floor from where Arjun was present.
Statements and Support
Following the tragedy, Allu Arjun expressed his grief on social media, calling the incident “heartbreaking.” He offered his condolences to the bereaved family and pledged assistance of ₹2.5 million ($29,480) to support them. He also committed to covering the medical expenses for the injured child.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time,” Arjun wrote, adding that he plans to meet the family personally.
The film’s production company, Mythri Movie Makers, also released a statement expressing their commitment to helping the affected family.
Broader Issues of Crowd Safety
Accidents involving large crowds are not uncommon in India, where inadequate safety measures and poor crowd management often lead to fatalities. However, it is rare for prominent celebrities to face arrest in such cases, making this incident particularly notable.
The police emphasized the importance of pre-emptive safety planning, especially during high-profile events, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
