A 35-year-old woman died and two others, including her nine-year-old son, were injured at a theatre in Hyderabad on Wednesday evening (4 December), police said.
The incident took place at Sandhya Theatre where people had gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of actor Allu Arjun during a screening of ‘Pushpa: The Rule’.
“People who were exiting the theatre from a previous show were caught in the midst of the crowd. Revathi and her son fell down in the stampede. The police personnel present there tried to resuscitate Revathi for several minutes. She and her son were rushed to Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital where Revathi was declared dead,” a police officer told Indian Express, adding, “Her son has been shifted to KIMS hospital with serious injuries and is in a critical condition.”
Actor Allu Arjun issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre. My sincerest condolences go out to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time. I want to assure them that they are not alone in their pain, and I will meet with the family personally. While respecting their need for privacy as they grieve, I am committed to providing all possible support to help them through this challenging period.”
Arjun promised Rs 25 lakh to the family and offered to cover all the medical expenses incurred.
‘Pushpa 2’ is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil in key roles.
The makers also issued a statement after the incident, “We are extremely heartbroken by the tragic incident during last night’s screening. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the young child undergoing medical treatment. We are committed to standing by them and extending all possible support during this difficult time.”
Mandanna also tweeted, “I am so sorry to hear this.”
A case has been filed against the theatre management, actor Allu Arjun, and his security team under the BNS section 105 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 118(1) r/w 3(5) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt), Indian Express reported.
Akshansh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Central Zone, Hyderabad Police, said, “Stringent action as per law will be taken against all the persons responsible for the chaotic situation inside the theatre leading to the death of a person and injury to others.”