Hyderabad | December 27, 2025 | The Hyderabad Police have filed a comprehensive chargesheet in connection with the stampede that occurred during the premiere show of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre, located at RTC X Roads, Hyderabad. The high-profile case names Telugu cinema superstar Allu Arjun, his personal manager, theatre management officials, and private security personnel among 24 accused.
The chargesheet has been submitted before the 9th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) at Nampally Court, formally paving the way for the case to enter the trial stage.
The tragic incident took place on December 4, 2024, when thousands of fans gathered outside Sandhya Theatre to catch a glimpse of the actor during the film’s premiere. The uncontrolled crowd situation spiralled into a stampede, resulting in the death of 35-year-old Revathi, while her minor son Sreethej sustained critical injuries. Police said the child suffered oxygen deprivation, leading to serious neurological complications, and remains under prolonged medical care.
Findings of the police investigation
According to the chargesheet, the incident was not accidental but stemmed from systemic failure, gross negligence, and violation of prescribed safety norms. Investigators stated that the theatre management was fully aware that the actor’s presence would attract a massive crowd, yet adequate crowd control and emergency response arrangements were not put in place.
The police further noted that permission for the actor’s appearance at the venue had been explicitly denied due to security concerns. Despite this, the actor allegedly proceeded with the visit, and there was a lack of effective coordination with local authorities, which aggravated the already volatile situation.
Role of private security and staff
The chargesheet raises serious questions about the conduct of the actor’s private staff and eight private bouncers deployed at the venue. Investigators observed that unregulated movement of private security personnel and certain gestures made towards the crowd intensified excitement and confusion, triggering panic among attendees.
Another major lapse highlighted was the absence of separate entry and exit routes for VIP guests. Police said this failure directly contributed to congestion at critical points, accelerating the stampede. Officials noted that strict adherence to established protocols could have prevented the tragedy.
Legal provisions invoked
The theatre owners and management have been booked under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with causing death by negligence. Additional charges have been framed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing injuries and endangering public safety.
Other accused have been charged based on the nature of their individual roles. The actor was briefly arrested in December 2024 in connection with the case but was later released on bail. Police stated that all accused have cooperated during the investigation and that the chargesheet reflects a detailed reconstruction of events.
Victim family’s pursuit of justice
Since the incident, the family of the deceased woman has consistently demanded accountability and justice, along with adequate compensation to support the long-term medical treatment of the injured child. With the filing of the chargesheet, the family has expressed hope that those responsible for the lapses will be held legally accountable.
Questions over celebrity event safety
The case has reignited debate over safety arrangements at celebrity-driven events, particularly film premieres and public appearances. Security experts argue that events involving major stars require strict prior approvals, coordinated policing, professional crowd management, and clearly defined safety protocols.
They stress that reliance on private security without institutional oversight can lead to chaos, especially when fan turnout exceeds expectations.
