Allu Arjun Included in Chargesheet Over Pushpa 2 Stampede Incident

Allu Arjun, a prominent figure in South Indian cinema, has been named among 23 individuals in a chargesheet in relation to the fatal stampede during the Pushpa 2 premiere at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad, in December 2024.

The chargesheet, submitted by Chikkadpally police to the 9th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court at Nampally, was filed more than a year after the incident, which raised significant concerns about crowd safety at star-studded events.

Details of the Chargesheet

Authorities have implicated Allu Arjun, his personal manager, staff members, eight private bouncers, and the owners of Sandhya Theatre on grounds of gross negligence regarding crowd control. The police highlighted severe shortcomings in managing the crowds that led to the disastrous event.

Investigators revealed that the theatre administration failed to implement necessary crowd control measures, despite being privy to the planned attendance of the actor. Reportedly, police had denied permission for Allu Arjun to appear due to safety issues, a point emphasized in the investigation report.

Recap of the Night

The tragic stampede unfolded on December 4, 2024, as throngs of fans gathered outside Sandhya Theatre to see Allu Arjun during the premiere event. In the ensuing chaos, 35-year-old M. Revathi lost her life, while her nine-year-old son, Sritej, was critically injured, having suffered severe oxygen deprivation.

Ongoing Recovery for the Child

Following the stampede, Sritej was taken to a private hospital in Secunderabad and placed on ventilator support due to dramatically low oxygen levels, which caused severe neurological complications. After over four months of intensive care, he was discharged on April 29, 2025, but continues to receive long-term treatment at a neuro-rehabilitation center in Hyderabad. The family has persistently requested additional compensation to cover ongoing medical needs.

Factors Contributing to the Stampede

The chargesheet indicates that the actions of private security and gestures directed at the crowd may have exacerbated an already chaotic situation outside the theatre. Police assert that the mismanagement by bouncers and staff led directly to the outbreak of panic.

Charges under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code for negligent homicide have been filed against the theatre's owners, alongside other relevant sections pertaining to causing harm and jeopardizing public safety.

Trial Process Begins

Allu Arjun was briefly detained in December 2024 but was subsequently released on bail. Police sources disclose that the actor has been cooperative and has faced multiple inquiries throughout the investigation.

“With the chargesheet's submission, all evidence has been compiled and filed, marking the transition to the trial phase,” stated an official connected to the case. This development intensifies the scrutiny on accountability, safety standards at events, and the responsibilities shouldered by celebrities and event organizers in managing large gatherings.