Telugu actor Allu Arjun, 41, was questioned by Hyderabad Police on Tuesday following a tragic stampede earlier this month at Sandhya Theatre, which claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old son critically injured. The incident occurred during a special screening of his new film.

Police Investigation and Questions

Allu Arjun, summoned on Monday, faced several questions during the investigation:

• Were you aware that police permission had been denied for your attendance at the premiere?
• Who decided to proceed with your appearance despite the lack of police approval?
• Did any officer inform you about the stampede outside?
• When did you learn about the woman’s death?

The focus of the investigation is whether the actor had proper authorization for his appearance and interaction with fans at the theatre, which is located in a busy neighborhood housing other cinema halls.

Arrest and Release

Mr. Arjun was arrested on December 13, nine days after the stampede. Initially sent to judicial custody for 14 days, he was later granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court, which criticized the arrest as a potential overreach and emphasized his fundamental right to liberty. “Just because he is an actor… he cannot be held like this,” the court stated.

Timeline of Events

The police allege that Allu Arjun’s unannounced arrival at 9:30 PM caused a chaotic crowd surge. The situation worsened when his security team and theatre staff attempted to manage the crowd, leading to further panic. Emergency services pulled Revathi, the deceased woman, and her son from the stampede, but she succumbed to her injuries despite medical assistance.

Police claim the actor held an impromptu roadshow outside the theatre, a charge he has denied. “I just waved to people and went inside. No cop asked me to leave,” Mr. Arjun stated. His office released a letter, dated 48 hours before the screening, requesting security arrangements for his visit, but authorities insist the protocol was not followed.

Legal Implications

Mr. Arjun, along with his security team and the theatre management, faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Theatre staff members, arrested earlier, have since been granted bail.

Public Reaction and Support

The incident has sparked divided public opinion. A group of protesters, reportedly university students, vandalized parts of the actor’s residence on Sunday, breaking flower pots and throwing tomatoes. Fellow actors have defended Allu Arjun, asserting he should not be held accountable for others’ actions.

Statement from the Family

The woman’s husband, speaking to NDTV, expressed his intention to withdraw the police case against Mr. Arjun, acknowledging the actor’s support. Allu Arjun announced ₹25 lakh compensation for the family, while the producers of his film pledged an additional ₹50 lakh.

Describing the incident as “very unfortunate,” the actor condemned misinformation and allegations against him, calling them a “character assassination.”