Hyderabad, Dec 27, 2025: Actor Allu Arjun and his security personnel have been named among 23 accused in the charge sheet filed in connection with the stampede that occurred during the premiere of the blockbuster film Pushpa 2 at Chikkadpally in Hyderabad in December 2024. The stampede had tragically resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old son injured, sparking widespread outrage and concern over crowd management during high-profile events.

According to police sources and reports from PTI, the theatre management has been named as the prime accused in the charge sheet, reflecting their alleged lapses in maintaining crowd control and ensuring the safety of attendees. Allu Arjun has been specifically listed as accused number 11, along with his security personnel, highlighting the involvement of both the actor and his team in the legal proceedings.

Background of the Incident

The tragic stampede occurred on December 4, 2024, at the Sandhya Theatre in Chikkadpally during the highly anticipated premiere of Pushpa 2, the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster. The screening attracted a massive crowd of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the actor and celebrate the release of the film. As excitement surged, crowd control measures reportedly failed, leading to chaos and ultimately resulting in a fatal stampede.

Eyewitnesses stated that fans had pushed toward the entry points to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, who had arrived for the premiere. The overwhelming crowd, combined with insufficient management of the theatre premises, created a dangerous situation that tragically turned fatal for the 35-year-old woman. Her eight-year-old son, who was present with her, sustained injuries in the chaos.

Following the incident, the Hyderabad police registered a case at the Chikkadpally police station based on complaints filed by the deceased woman’s family. The case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against multiple parties, including the theatre management, the film’s makers, Allu Arjun, and his security personnel.

Arrest and Bail of Allu Arjun

In the immediate aftermath of the stampede, Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13, 2024, in connection with the incident. His arrest drew intense media attention and public scrutiny, given his high profile as a leading actor in the Telugu film industry. However, he was released the following day after the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail. Subsequently, he was later granted regular bail, allowing him to continue his professional commitments while cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The actor, along with the makers of Pushpa, extended financial assistance to the victim’s family, an effort aimed at providing some relief and demonstrating accountability on their part. Additionally, the Telangana government announced compensation for the family, acknowledging the tragic circumstances and the need to support them.

Details from the Charge Sheet

The charge sheet, which has now been filed by the authorities, lists 23 individuals and entities as accused, encompassing theatre management personnel, members of Allu Arjun’s security team, and other individuals responsible for coordinating the event. The theatre management, as the prime accused, has been held primarily responsible for failures in crowd control, safety protocols, and event management, which allegedly contributed to the stampede.

Allu Arjun’s inclusion in the charge sheet stems from his presence at the event and the role of his security personnel in managing fan interactions. While there is no suggestion that the actor directly caused the stampede, authorities have named him as an accused to examine the extent of responsibility of celebrities and their teams in maintaining order during public appearances.

The charge sheet underscores the importance of meticulous planning and risk assessment during high-profile public events, particularly in situations where fan enthusiasm can create safety hazards. The investigation will focus on determining whether there were lapses in adhering to established protocols, whether sufficient safety measures were in place, and whether the actor or his security team contributed to the unsafe environment in any way.

Public and Industry Reaction

The incident sent shockwaves through both the film industry and the general public. Fans and cinema-goers expressed grief over the death and injuries, while discussions around safety standards at theatres gained prominence. Many industry professionals highlighted the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols during premieres and promotional events to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Legal experts have noted that the inclusion of celebrities in charge sheets is not uncommon in cases where events lead to fatalities or injuries, especially if they are directly involved in organizing or attending high-profile gatherings. The case emphasizes the shared responsibility of event organizers, security teams, and public figures in ensuring the safety of attendees.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The Hyderabad police are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede, examining witness statements, CCTV footage, crowd management arrangements, and the actions of all individuals named in the charge sheet. The police will aim to ascertain whether negligence on the part of the theatre management, security personnel, or other accused contributed to the fatal incident.

Depending on the findings, further charges may be added, and the case may proceed to trial to establish accountability. Authorities are also expected to review protocols for high-profile events, including measures for crowd control, emergency response, and coordination between security personnel and local law enforcement.

Accountability and Public Safety

The Pushpa 2 stampede case has reignited discussions about accountability during public events involving celebrities. While actors are often celebrated for their popularity, their appearances at large gatherings can inadvertently create risks if safety measures are inadequate. Legal and safety experts argue that all stakeholders—including actors, security teams, and event organizers—must collaborate proactively to prevent such tragedies.

The inclusion of Allu Arjun and his team in the charge sheet signals a broader responsibility framework, highlighting that celebrities cannot be entirely insulated from incidents that occur during their public engagements. At the same time, the investigation will carefully examine whether their conduct or instructions contributed to the unsafe conditions, ensuring that the legal process distinguishes between direct culpability and indirect association.

Conclusion

The filing of the charge sheet in the Pushpa 2 stampede case represents a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings, with 23 individuals now under scrutiny for their alleged roles in the tragic incident. The case underscores the critical importance of crowd management, public safety, and accountability during large-scale events.

As the investigation progresses, the Hyderabad police, along with the Telangana judicial authorities, will determine the extent of liability of the theatre management, Allu Arjun, his security personnel, and other accused. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for celebrity event management in India, ensuring that public figures and organizers prioritize the safety and well-being of fans and attendees above all else.

For the family of the deceased and the injured child, the hope remains that the judicial process will deliver justice and closure, while reinforcing the need for strict safety standards at all future events.