The Hyderabad police have issued a show cause notice to the management of Sandhya Theatre following the tragic stampede that occurred during the premiere of Telugu superstar Allu Arjun’s film Pushpa 2. The stampede resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman and left her 8-year-old son hospitalized in critical condition.
Lapses Highlighted in the Notice
Dated December 12, the show cause notice identified 11 critical lapses on the part of the theatre management. Key points mentioned in the notice include:
- Failure to Inform Police: The theatre management did not alert the local police about actor Allu Arjun’s arrival on December 4, a day marked by heightened public interest.
- Lack of Entry, Exit, and Seating Arrangements: Despite anticipating large crowds, the management did not create proper entry, exit, or seating arrangements.
- Inadequate Signage: There were no proper signboards indicating entry and exit points, leaving attendees without clear guidance.
- Unlawful Erection of Flex Banners: The management erected large “flex banners” without permission, encouraging crowds to gather.
- Insufficient Security: A failure to arrange adequate security at the main gates contributed to the crowd’s mismanagement, which led to the stampede.
The notice accuses the theatre management of failing to provide a safe and secure environment for the public and directs them to show cause as to why their Cinematograph License should not be revoked. The management has been given 10 days to respond, failing which further action will be taken without additional notice.
Police and Legal Action
Following the stampede, a case was registered against actor Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station. On December 13, Allu Arjun was arrested but was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court and released the following morning.
The police also arrested three individuals associated with the theatre: one of its owners, its senior manager, and the lower balcony in-charge. The arrests underscore the seriousness of the investigation and the efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Health Update on Injured Boy
The 8-year-old boy, Sritej, who was caught in the stampede, remains in critical condition at a private hospital. The hospital’s medical bulletin on Tuesday stated that Sritej is still in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on mechanical ventilation with minimal oxygen support. His fever is subsiding, and he is on minimal inotropes, with stable vital parameters. Doctors are planning a tracheostomy to facilitate his weaning from the ventilator.
Official Visits and Support Assurances
Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand and Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu visited the hospital to check on the boy’s condition. Commissioner Anand stated that “the neurological condition is severely impacted,” and doctors have indicated that it may be a long time before any significant improvement is seen. The Telangana government has assured the boy’s father that it will cover all medical expenses to ensure the best possible treatment for the child.
This tragic incident has sparked significant public outrage, with calls for accountability from both the theatre management and film stakeholders. As the investigation unfolds, further legal and administrative actions are expected to follow.