Pushpa 2 stampede: CCTV footage shows cops escorting Allu Arjun out of theatre after CM Reddy’s claims

Telugu actor Allu Arjun reportedly stayed in the theatre during the screening of Pushpa 2 on December 4, despite being advised to leave following a stampede in which a woman lost her life, according to police officials.

At a press conference on the 2024 annual round-up, City Police Commissioner C.V. Anand shared a video created by the police showing the scene during the stampede, PTI reported.

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The video, compiled from news channels and cellphone footage, indicates that Allu Arjun stayed in the theatre until midnight during the stampede incident on December 4.

While Police Commissioner C.V. Anand did not comment on the video, he suggested that the media could draw its own conclusions. A police official outlined the sequence of events from that night, stating that he and others informed Allu Arjun's manager about the woman's death and the escalating situation, but were not allowed to meet the actor.

“Allu Arjun's staff members told them that they would convey the matter to the actor but did not do so,” he said.

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The official said he later managed to reach the actor, told him about the woman's death and asked him to leave the theatre so that the fans don't harm each other while trying to catch a glimpse of him.

The official also told the actor that security arrangements would be made for his exit.

However, the actor said he would go only after watching the film, the police official said.

“Later, accompanied by a senior officer, the official went inside and brought the actor out,” he said.

Also Read: ’Nobody should be blamed’: Allu Arjun over Pushpa 2 stampede case; actor denies ‘irresponsible’ behaviour

Amid allegations that bouncers hired by Allu Arjun pushed crowds as well as policemen when the stampede occurred at the cinema hall, the police commissioner warned that stringent action as per law would be taken if the bouncers indeed misbehaved with the police on duty, PTI reported.

The VIPs would be made responsible for the behaviour of the bouncers hired by them, he said.

Asked if the police would appeal against the interim bail granted to Allu Arjun, the commissioner refused to give a direct response, just saying it is part of the investigation.

What course of action is taken would be known in the days to come, he said.

He also declined to comment when asked if the family of the deceased told him about Allu Arjun's team or film production team allegedly threatening them not to speak on the issue.

Meanwhile, state Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy found fault with Allu Arjun responding on Saturday to the debate in the Legislative Assembly.

The minister, who observed that the actor should have respect for the government and the chief minister, demanded an apology from Allu Arjun to the government and the CM.

"This government is never vindictive. As Cinematography Minister, we allowed benefit shows and hiking ticket prices to promote the film industry," he said.

However, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar found fault with CM Revanth Reddy for his comments on Allu Arjun in the Assembly on Saturday.

The comments of the CM sounded like character assassination of Allu Arjun and hurting the Telugu film industry, he alleged in a statement.

Later in the day, Sanjay Kumar visited the boy undergoing treatment in a hospital after being injured in the stampede.

"Consoled his father over the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Revathi. I pray to god that Sritej recovers at the earliest. Assured support to the family in this difficult time," Kumar said on X.

Earlier in the day, state DGP Jitender told reporters in Karimnagar district that film personalities and all others should understand that safety and security of citizens is utmost important, and also conduct themselves accordingly.

(With inputs from PTI)