'Pushpa-2' stampede: Even after woman's death, Allu Arjun did not leave theatre, police forced him out, says CM Revanth Reddy

He also said there won't be any special privileges when untoward incidents like death in a stampede happen and said the government would not spare those who troubled common people.

Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy said that, despite knowing that a woman died in the stampede and her son was in critical condition, actor Allu Arjun first refused to leave the theater. It was only later, after much pleading from the police, that he left Sandhya Theatre in a road show waving at his fans, he added.

On Saturday, Revanth Reddy addressed the Assembly about the stampede incident that had taken place on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of Arjun's Pushpa 2 movie.

In the stampede, a 35-year-old M Revathi died, and her 9-year-old son, Sri Tej, is now battling for life at a corporate hospital. He also found fault with the film fraternity and opposition parties for showing support to Arjun instead of consoling and standing in solidarity with the bereaved family.

He also mentioned that the local police had issued a clear written directive not to invite the film crew, including the lead actors, to the theatre due to its single entry and exit point, which would pose a crowd control issue.

“The theatre had only one entrance and exit. Despite police warnings, the hero (Allu Arjun) arrived in an open-top car, causing a commotion. This led to a stampede, resulting in the death of a woman, Revathi, and her son being critically injured. The hero didn't even visit the family or console them," Reddy said, slamming the actor.

He added, "Instead, he went to his home, where film personalities gathered to show support. Did any of them visit the bereaved family? Our government allows special shows to promote the film industry. But if lives are lost, should we just ignore it? Is that justice? We follow the Constitution framed by Ambedkar. We won't tolerate anyone playing with human lives. As long as we are in power, such incidents won't be repeated."

He further said that considering the situation outside the theatre, the DCP had directly approached the actor.

“The police told him that someone had died outside and that he should leave but he wanted to continue watching the movie. They warned him that if he didn't leave, he would have to be taken to the police station. The hero came out of the theatre around 12 midnight. They informed him about the death of a woman and the critical injuries sustained by her son. Despite the grave situation, he got on his vehicle and waved at the crowd,” said Revanth Reddy.

The Chief Minister also issued a warning to film personalities. “Make movies, do business, earn money, take incentives and subsidies from the government, and get special permissions for shooting. But if people's lives are lost, the government will not remain silent,” he said.

Revanth Reddy also cautioned that as long as he is in office, such incidents will not be ignored, and special exemptions will not be given if people's lives are lost.

AIMIM floor leader Akabaruddin Owaisi, who had initiated the discussion on the Sandhya Theatre tragedy, said his party would stand in support of the government whatever action it would take in the case of the Sandhya Theatre incident.

He also slammed Allu Arjun’s response to the death and stampede. “When informed about the stampede and fatalities, he reportedly said, ‘Now the movie will be a hit.’ How can someone be so heartless?” asked Akbaruddin in the state assembly.