New Delhi, December 27, 2025:
In a major legal development linked to the tragic premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Hyderabad Police have officially named superstar Allu Arjun as one of the accused in a detailed chargesheet filed in connection with the deadly stampede at Sandhya Theatre in 2024.
The 100-page chargesheet, prepared by Chikkadpally Police, was submitted to the court on December 24, 2025. The incident, which occurred during a special premiere show, resulted in the death of a woman and left her young son critically injured. The filing marks a crucial step in moving the case toward trial.
What the Chargesheet Reveals
According to police documents, 23 individuals have been named as accused for alleged lapses in security planning and crowd control.
Allu Arjun Listed as Accused No. 11
- The actor has been named Accused No. 11 (A-11) in the case.
- Investigators stated that his unannounced arrival at the theatre triggered a sudden surge of fans at the crowded venue near RTC X Roads.
- Police claim that the lack of prior intimation prevented authorities from deploying additional crowd-control measures.
Theatre Management Named Primary Accused
- Sandhya Theatre management has been listed as Accused No. 1 (A-1).
- Police cited gross negligence, including:
- Failure to inform police about the star’s presence
- Installation of unauthorized banners that blocked exit routes
- Allowing the theatre to exceed its permitted capacity
Others Named in the Case
The chargesheet also names:
- Members of Allu Arjun’s personal security team
- His managers and coordinators
- Theatre staff
- Private bouncers deployed at the venue
Recap of the 2024 Stampede Tragedy
The incident took place on December 4, 2024, during a high-profile “benefit show” marking the release of Pushpa 2. As Allu Arjun arrived to greet fans, the crowd reportedly rushed toward the entrance, leading to chaos and a deadly stampede.
- Victim: 35-year-old M. Revathi, who died in the crush
- Injured: Her nine-year-old son Sritej, who remained hospitalized for nearly five months before being discharged
Reports indicate that police later used a lathi charge to control the situation. The handling of the crowd has since drawn criticism from civil rights groups and was also examined by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Key Lapses Identified by Police
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said the investigation revealed serious coordination failures. Major issues highlighted include:
- No official permission obtained for a large public appearance
- Insufficient private security, despite clear crowd risk
- Overcrowding beyond legal limits
- Emergency protocols ignored, worsening the situation
What Happens Next
Allu Arjun was briefly arrested in December 2024 but later received bail following intervention by the Telangana High Court. Since then, the actor has announced ₹1 crore in financial assistance to the victim’s family, along with additional support from the film’s producers.
However, officials clarified that compensation does not affect criminal liability. With the chargesheet now filed, the case is expected to proceed into the trial stage, where responsibility for the tragic incident will be determined by the court.
