On December 4, 2024, an unannounced visit by Telugu superstar Allu Arjun to Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of his film “Pushpa 2: The Rule” led to a tragic incident. The actor’s surprise appearance caused a massive surge of fans, resulting in a stampede that claimed the life of 39-year-old Revathi and left her young son critically injured.
Allu Arjun arrest and Immediate Aftermath
Following the incident, Revathi’s family filed a complaint against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management. The Hyderabad Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 105 and 118(1) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023, which address culpable homicide not amounting to murder and acts endangering public safety.
Arrest and Judicial Custody
On December 13, 2024, Allu Arjun was arrested from his residence. The Nampally Sessions Court subsequently placed him in 14-day judicial custody. However, within an hour, the Telangana High Court granted him bail, considering his cooperation with the investigation and lack of prior criminal records.
Political Underpinnings and Industry Reactions
The arrest ignited a political controversy. Allu Arjun’s uncle, Pawan Kalyan, founder of the Jana Sena Party, is aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In contrast, Telangana is governed by the Congress party. This political dichotomy led to speculations that Arjun’s arrest was politically motivated. BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticized the Congress government for disrespecting a figure of Arjun’s stature, attributing the tragedy to poor planning. Similarly, BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao condemned the arrest, suggesting it reflected the Congress’s insecurity.
Prominent film personalities also voiced their disapproval. Director Ram Gopal Varma termed the police action “truly ridiculous,” emphasizing that blaming Arjun for the unfortunate death was unjust.
Compensation and Family’s Response
Demonstrating remorse, Allu Arjun offered a financial assistance of ₹25 lakh to Revathi’s family and assured coverage of her son’s medical expenses. He expressed his condolences publicly, stating, “I am deeply heartbroken by this tragic incident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Subsequently, Revathi’s husband indicated his willingness to withdraw the complaint, acknowledging Arjun’s support and the unforeseen nature of the tragedy.
Legal Context and Precedents
The charges against Allu Arjun were framed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code of 1860. Section 105 pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, prescribing imprisonment of 5 to 10 years. Section 118(1) addresses acts endangering public safety.
While specific case laws under the BNS are yet to be established due to its recent enactment, precedents under the former IPC provide guidance:
- R. v. Bateman (1925): This case established that for gross negligence manslaughter, there must be a duty of care breached in a manner showing disregard for the life and safety of others.
- Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab (1994): Emphasized the necessity of mens rea (intent) for conviction under culpable homicide charges.
The tragic incident at the “Pushpa 2” premiere underscores the critical importance of meticulous crowd management during events featuring high-profile celebrities. It also highlights the intricate interplay between legal accountability and political affiliations in high-stakes scenarios. As the legal proceedings unfold, they are poised to set significant precedents under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, shaping the future landscape of celebrity responsibility and public safety in India.
