An Indian actor, widely recognized in the film industry, has been taken into custody and subsequently released on bail following an incident at the premiere of his latest movie, which resulted in a fatality due to a crowd crush.
Allu Arjun, a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry, made an unexpected appearance at a screening in Hyderabad last week.
A 39-year-old woman lost her life, while her son sustained critical injuries in the tragic incident.The actor received a 14-day police custody sentence from a lower court, but just hours later, the high court intervened and granted him bail.
Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the actor, his security personnel, and the management team of the theatre, citing allegations of culpable homicide.
Earlier, authorities arrested the theatre’s owner and two of its employees.
Law enforcement officials arrived at the actor’s residence on Friday and took him into custody. He was later presented in a local court.
In India, incidents involving large gatherings frequently make headlines, as inadequate safety protocols and ineffective crowd control have resulted in fatalities. However, it is uncommon for high-profile celebrities to face arrest in such circumstances.
Pushpa 2, the eagerly awaited follow-up to the 2021 hit Pushpa: The Rise, made its theatrical debut earlier this month.
Authorities reported that Allu Arjun entered the theatre at 21:30 local time (16:00 GMT) via the main entrance.
Hyderabad police chief CV Anand stated, “There was no intimation from the side of the theatre management or the actor’s team that they would be visiting.”
A police statement revealed, “His personal security team began to push back against the crowd, exacerbating an already tense situation at the theatre, where a large gathering had formed.”
In a recent court appearance, Arjun’s attorney argued that the actor should not be held accountable for the incident, asserting that the crash occurred on a different floor from his location.
Amid escalating chaos, authorities reported that a 39-year-old woman and her nine-year-old son were extracted from the crowd after experiencing feelings of “suffocation.”
First aid was administered to the individuals before they were transported to the hospital.
A woman lost her life at the location, while her son was transported to another hospital, where he continues to receive treatment.
In the wake of the incident, Allu Arjun took to X to express his sorrow, stating that he was “heartbroken by the tragic incident.”
The family is mourning, and my deepest sympathies are extended to them during this profoundly challenging period. He expressed his commitment to meet with the family personally, assuring them they are not alone in their pain.
He subsequently declared a financial aid package of 2.5 million rupees ($29,480; £23,346) for the woman’s family and committed to covering the medical costs for her son.
Mythri Movie Makers, the production company responsible for the film, affirmed their dedication to providing unwavering support during this challenging period.
