Allu Arjun Implicated in Pushpa 2 Premiere Stampede Chargesheet

Renowned South Indian actor Allu Arjun is one of 23 individuals cited in a chargesheet related to the tragic stampede that transpired during the December 2024 premiere of Pushpa 2 at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad.

This chargesheet was filed earlier this week by Chikkadpally police, presented to the 9th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court at Nampally, over a year following the incident that not only shocked the city but also ignited discussions on crowd safety at high-profile events.

Details from the Chargesheet

The document identifies Allu Arjun, along with his personal manager, team members, eight bouncers, and the owners and management of Sandhya Theatre, as key accused. Authorities have spotlighted significant negligence and failures in crowd management as primary factors that led to the calamity.

Investigators found that theatre management neglected to implement adequate crowd control systems despite prior knowledge of the actor's attendance. Reports indicate that police had previously denied permission for Allu Arjun's appearance due to safety concerns, a detail emphasized in the final report.

The Tragic Night

The stampede occurred on December 4, 2024, when a large crowd amassed outside Sandhya Theatre in the RTC X Roads area to see the actor during the premiere event.

In the ensuing chaos, 35-year-old M. Revathi tragically lost her life, while her nine-year-old son, Sritej, suffered serious injuries due to insufficient oxygen supply. The family had attended the screening as the child was a devoted fan of Allu Arjun.

Recovery Journey of the Child

Sritej was swiftly taken to a private hospital in Secunderabad in a semi-conscious state, immediately placed on ventilator support in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Physicians reported dangerously low oxygen levels, resulting in severe neurological issues.

He received intensive care for over four months and was discharged on April 29, 2025. Since then, he has been on a long-term path to recovery at a neuro-rehabilitation center in Hyderabad. The family has persistently pursued increased compensation for his ongoing medical needs.

Causes of the Stampede

The chargesheet indicates that movements among private security personnel and specific actions directed at the crowd led to a sudden rush, exacerbating an already precarious situation outside the venue. Police allege that the behavior of private bouncers and staff directly incited panic and chaos.

Charges have been lodged under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code, concerning negligent homicide against the theatre owners, in addition to provisions from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita regarding causing injury and endangering public safety.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Allu Arjun was momentarily detained in December 2024 but was later released on bail. Police sources affirm that the actor complied with the investigation and was interviewed several times throughout the inquiry.

“The investigation is complete, with all evidence documented, and the final report has been submitted to the court. The legal process will subsequently progress,” noted an official involved in the case.

The filing of the chargesheet marks the formal transition of the case into the trial phase, intensifying scrutiny on accountability, safety measures at events, and the responsibilities of public figures and organizers when managing large gatherings.