A trial court in Telangana on Friday granted regular bail to Telugu actor Allu Arjun in connection with a criminal case stemming from a stampede during the Pushpa 2 premiere on December 4, 2024, which claimed the life of a woman and left her 9-year-old son critically injured.
The Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge in Nampally approved Arjun’s bail, requiring him to submit a ₹50,000 personal bond and two sureties. As per the bail terms, Arjun must report to the Chikkadpally police station every Sunday between 10 AM and 1 PM for two months or until the chargesheet is filed. The court directed him to cooperate with investigators, not influence witnesses, and seek prior permission before leaving the country.
The incident occurred at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, where a stampede broke out around 9:30 PM during the film’s premiere, resulting in the death of M Revathi. Her family complained, leading to an FIR against Arjun and others, including the theatre’s owners and management. The FIR invoked sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 118(1) read with Section 3(5) (causing hurt or grievous hurt).
Police alleged that Arjun’s presence at the event, which they had not disclosed in advance, contributed to insufficient crowd control measures. Arjun was at the venue during the stampede and was arrested on December 13. However, the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail on the same day, stating that he could not prima facie be held accountable as he had attended the event with prior approval.
The High Court had initially allowed interim bail for four weeks, which was extended to co-accused, including theatre officials. Following his release on December 14, Arjun filed for regular bail, which was approved by the trial court on Friday.
This case has drawn significant attention, with the court emphasizing that Arjun must adhere strictly to the bail conditions and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
