The Chikkadpally police have filed a formal charge sheet in the 2024 Sandhya Theatre stampede case, naming the film’s lead star Allu Arjun as Accused Number 11 (A11). The legal document, filed before the IX Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Nampally Court, lists a total of 23 individuals as accused. The police investigation concluded that the tragic incident, which occurred during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, was caused by gross negligence and a failure to follow safety protocols.
Findings of the Investigation
According to the police report, the management of Sandhya Theatre (listed as A1) is primarily responsible for the chaos. The investigation revealed that the theatre failed to seek necessary police security or provide adequate crowd management despite knowing a massive crowd would gather. Furthermore, the police stated that Allu Arjun’s visit to the theatre proceeded despite permission being explicitly denied due to safety concerns. This visit triggered a sudden surge in the crowd, leading to the stampede that claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman, Revathi, and left her young son, Sritej, with severe long-term injuries.
Current Status of the Case
The charge sheet includes statements from eyewitnesses and details of the lapses in coordination between the event organizers, private security, and the theatre management.
- Accused: Apart from the actor and theatre owners, the list includes three managers and eight private bouncers.
- Arrests: Out of the 23 accused, 14 have been arrested so far, while others who received anticipatory bail have been served legal notices.
Financial Support and Compensation
Following the incident and the subsequent arrest of Allu Arjun during the investigation, the actor and his family took steps to provide financial aid to the victims.
- Initial Aid: Allu Arjun and his father, Allu Aravind, previously provided ₹75 lakh to cover Sritej’s mounting medical expenses.
- Fixed Deposit: To ensure the long-term welfare of the grieving family, producer Dil Raju confirmed that Allu Arjun and Allu Aravind have deposited ₹2 crore into the family’s bank account.
While the financial assistance provides some relief for the medical bills, the filing of the charge sheet marks a critical turn in the legal battle for accountability regarding public safety at major celebrity events.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
