Telugu actor Allu Arjun has spoken out against allegations regarding his behaviour in the aftermath of a tragic stampede at Sandhya 70 MM cinema hall. Addressing the media alongside his father, producer Allu Aravind, and legal counsel, the actor described the discussion in the Telangana Legislative Assembly as an attempt at “character assassination,” though he refrained from naming any individual or institution.
The incident in question, which occurred during a promotional event for the highly anticipated film Pushpa 2, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old son critically injured. Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad, Allu Arjun extended his condolences to the grieving family and expressed his wishes for the child’s recovery, emphasizing that the tragedy was an “unfortunate accident” and not the fault of any particular individual.
Allu Arjun clarified that he and his team had acted in good faith and with positive intentions, countering allegations made during the Assembly discussion. He pointed to a significant amount of misinformation and miscommunication that, he claimed, has distorted the narrative surrounding the event.
“There has been an attempt at character assassination,” the actor stated. “Despite the success of the film, we have decided to cancel all celebratory events to focus entirely on addressing this issue. This is a moment of sorrow, not celebration.”
Allu Arjun also explained his presence at the cinema hall during the incident. He denied organizing a roadshow, asserting that his brief appearance was aimed at pacifying fans who had gathered outside the venue. “I was asked to wave to the fans to help disperse the crowd, which I did out of respect for those who had waited to see me,” he said. “If I had known that there was no police permission for the gathering, I would not have proceeded.”
The stampede occurred due to overcrowding at the venue, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the actor during the promotional event. Allu Arjun disclosed that he was watching the film inside the theater when his team alerted him to the situation outside. It was only after leaving the venue that he became aware of the incident’s gravity.
“I was not approached by any police officer during the screening,” he said. “My team informed me about the overcrowding, and I decided to leave immediately to avoid exacerbating the situation.”
The next day, Arjun learned about the death of a woman and the hospitalization of her son. He explained that his legal team had advised against visiting the hospital, as a police case had already been filed against him. “Under these circumstances, meeting the family would not have been appropriate,” he added.
The actor expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and reiterated his commitment to ensuring the well-being of the injured child. He revealed that he has been receiving hourly updates on the child’s condition and remains in touch with the authorities and medical personnel handling the case.
“This is an extremely unfortunate incident,” Allu Arjun said. “I am deeply saddened by what has happened. My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time, and I pray for the child’s speedy recovery.”
Allu Arjun strongly refuted claims that he had acted irresponsibly, emphasizing that his actions were guided by respect for his fans and a desire to maintain order. “There was no ill intent, and everyone involved—including the police and my team—acted in good faith,” he reiterated.
The actor also highlighted the importance of addressing the spread of misinformation. “The narrative being shared is filled with inaccuracies, and it is unfair to pass judgment without understanding the full context,” he said.
In light of the tragedy, Allu Arjun and his team have pledged to exercise greater caution in organizing events that involve large gatherings. He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his popularity and vowed to work collaboratively with authorities to prevent similar incidents in future.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about crowd control and safety measures at public events in Telangana, with state officials and law enforcement facing criticism for their handling of the situation. While the Assembly discussion placed a spotlight on the actor’s actions, the focus has since shifted to systemic issues that require urgent attention.
As investigations continue, Allu Arjun’s response underscores the complexity of the situation and the need for accurate information to guide public opinion. “This is a moment for introspection and learning,” he concluded, urging all stakeholders to come together to ensure such tragedies are avoided in the future.
