Read top questions asked by Police to Allu Arjun over deadly stampede at 'Pushpa 2' screening

Telugu actor Allu Arjun was questioned by the Hyderabad Police on Tuesday regarding the fatal stampede during the screening of his film Pushpa 2 at Sandhya Theatre on December 4. The incident resulted in the death of 35-year-old Revathi and left her eight-year-old son with life-threatening injuries. The police are investigating the events leading to the stampede, with a focus on whether the actor's appearance contributed to the crowd surge and resulting chaos.

The police have asked Allu Arjun whether he was aware that his visit to the theatre was not authorized by the police. They also questioned whether he had obtained permission for his appearance, as required by protocol, and whether his PR team coordinated with the authorities to ensure security. The authorities are examining if his unannounced arrival at the theatre, coupled with his security team and bouncers pushing back the crowd, led to the escalation of the situation.

Allu Arjun has denied claims that he conducted a roadshow, stating, “I just waved to people and went inside. No cop asked me to leave… my manager told me there is a crowd and asked me to leave.” Despite this, police suggest that the actor’s presence and the crowd’s rush for a glimpse of him may have contributed to the crowding and eventual stampede.

The incident occurred after Allu Arjun arrived at Sandhya Theatre at 9:30 PM for a special screening of Pushpa 2. According to the police, no official request for permission was made by the actor's security team or the theatre management, which violated standard protocols for such events. The police assert that the large crowd that gathered outside the theatre after the actor's arrival, coupled with inadequate crowd control measures, contributed to the dangerous situation.

The actor’s PR team has made a letter public, dated two days before the screening, in which they requested security arrangements for the event. The letter was directed to the police, asking for security measures for the screening of the film. However, the police have stated that no clear communication or official request for police permission was made in person, as required by protocol.

In response to the incident, Allu Arjun expressed his sorrow, calling the event "very unfortunate." He reiterated that he did not intend to cause harm and has been fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Following the questioning, Allu Arjun, along with the producers of Pushpa 2, pledged financial compensation to the victim’s family. The actor announced ₹25 lakh for the family, and the film's producers committed an additional ₹50 lakh.

Protests erupted outside Allu Arjun's residence, with demonstrators accusing him of negligence. The protests turned violent as protesters damaged property, breaking flower pots and throwing tomatoes. Six individuals were arrested in connection with the protests and later released on bail. The Telangana government and various political parties have also commented on the incident, with some opposition groups accusing the local administration of mishandling the situation.

The investigation is ongoing, with police planning to recreate the scene at Sandhya Theatre to reconstruct the events that led to the stampede. The police are focusing on understanding how the crowd control situation was handled and whether Allu Arjun’s actions exacerbated the situation.