Our Special Correspondent
Hyderabad: The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has decided to challenge the bail granted to actor Allu Arjun in connection with the tragic stampede incident.
The move comes after mounting criticism from opposition parties, including the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and BJP, as well as public outcry over the incident that claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman, Revathi, and critically injured her eight-year-old son.
The tragic incident occurred during a promotional event at a congested theatre in Hyderabad. Despite clear warnings from the police, including a written advisory from the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Chikkadpally, Allu Arjun attended the event, which led to uncontrollable chaos. The police letter highlighted serious safety concerns, citing the theatre’s lack of proper entry and exit points and its location in a crowded area. It explicitly advised the theatre management to ensure the actor’s absence to prevent overcrowding.
However, Allu Arjun proceeded to the venue, where his arrival caused a surge in the crowd. Reportedly, the actor waved to fans from the sunroof of his car, triggering further excitement. As the crowd rushed toward the main gate, security efforts to control the situation failed. The chaos resulted in a fatal stampede, leaving Revathi dead and her young son fighting for his life in the hospital.
The actor’s legal team argued that they were informed the police had been approached for permission but did not respond, suggesting the onus lay on the authorities. The High Court judge, while granting interim bail, appeared to rely on the legal principle that “bail is a right and jail is an exception.” The ruling sparked controversy, as critics questioned the actor’s actions and the role of law enforcement in the tragedy.
The government, facing flak for the handling of the situation, has now decided to act decisively. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reportedly took the matter as a prestige issue and directed the police to present a clear account of events leading to the tragedy. The viral ACP letter, now central to the investigation, has further complicated matters for Allu Arjun, placing the blame squarely on his attendance.
The actor’s interim bail is set to expire on January 12, 2024. With the government challenging the court’s decision, Allu Arjun and his legal team face mounting pressure as the investigation intensifies. The case remains a major talking point in both political and film circles, with further developments awaited.
