The Hyderabad city police released a video prepared by them detailing the timeline of events that led up to the stampede at Sandhya Theatre on December 4 for Pushpa 2’s benefit show which resulted in Revathi’s death and critically injured her son Sritej.
As per the nine-minute video released by the police, the sequence of events began on December 2 when Nagaraju, the manager of Sandhya Theatre, applied for permission to Chikkadpally ACP L. Ramesh Kumar for the special benefit show scheduled for December 4 with Allu Arjun attending it. Chikkadpally ACP forwarded it to Chikkadpally Station House Officer (SHO) B. Raju Naik. The following day, SHO Naik personally inspected the theatre and surrounding roads, concluding that the area could not handle the anticipated influx of fans. The officer instructed the theatre management in writing to inform Allu Arjun to refrain from attending the event.
On the night of December 4, the situation unfolded rapidly. At approximately 9:15 p.m., actor Allu Arjun’s daughter and father-in-law arrived at the theatre. As the gates opened to admit them, a crowd surged forward, nearly resulting in a stampede. Shortly thereafter, Allu Arjun’s son arrived. At around 9:25 p.m., Revathi and her son Sritej entered the premises but were separated from the rest of their family as the crowd grew. Revathi and her son managed to reach the lower balcony, but she was seen frantically calling someone on her phone, indicating distress.
Meanwhile, the situation outside escalated further. At around 9:28 p.m., Allu Arjun’s vehicle was seen crossing Musheerabad Metro Station with the actor waving to fans opening the sunroof, which caused a sudden rush of people toward the theatre. By 9:35 p.m., Allu Arjun entered Sandhya Theatre, flanked by his private security team of approximately 40 to 50 personnel. The heavy crowd pressed against the lower balcony gate, eventually causing it to break. This resulted in a crush of people attempting to push through, leading to the stampede.
As Allu Arjun proceeded to the upper balcony via the stairs, Revathi and Sritej were caught in the densely packed crowd below. They collapsed due to suffocation. Police officers present at the scene intervened, pulling the unconscious mother and son from the crowd through the broken grill gate. CPR was administered before they were rushed to the hospital by SHO B. Raju Naik and ACP L. Ramesh Kumar.
By 10:45 p.m., ACP Kumar returned to the theatre and made several attempts to inform Allu Arjun about the incident. However, the actor’s manager, Santhosh insisted he would relay the message personally. Despite being informed of Revathi’s death and the critical condition of her son, the manager did not take immediate steps to withdraw the actor from the venue.
At 11:15 p.m., ACP Kumar finally spoke directly to Allu Arjun, detailing the events and urging him to leave the premises. Despite this, the actor decided to stay until the movie concluded. By 11:40 p.m., the DCP intervened once more, instructing the manager to ensure Allu Arjun exited the theatre immediately. Ten minutes later, the police began clearing the crowd and traffic outside the venue to provide a safe passage for the actor’s convoy.
Finally, at 12:05 p.m. on December 5, the DCP escorted Allu Arjun out of Sandhya Theatre.
Timeline of events
December 2:
At around 5:35 p.m., Nagaraju, Manager of Sandhya Theatre, submitted an application to Chikkadpally ACP L. Ramesh Kumar’s office regarding Allu Arjun’s visit for a special show scheduled for December 4. The application was forwarded to SHO B. Raju Naik.
December 3:
SHO B. Raju Naik personally inspected the theatre and nearby roads, concluding they could not accommodate the anticipated large crowds. The theatre management was instructed in writing to notify the film’s cast, including Allu Arjun and actress Rashmika Mandanna, to cancel their appearances for public safety.
December 4:
Despite the instructions, events took a disastrous turn in the evening.
— 9:15 p.m.: Allu Arjun’s family members began arriving at the theatre, with his daughter and father-in-law entering first in a white SUV, followed by his son in a black SUV. Crowds surged as gates opened, creating a near-stampede.
— 9:25 p.m.: Revathi and her son Sritej, attendees at the event, entered the premises but became separated due to the chaos.
— 9:28 to 9:34 p.m.: Allu Arjun’s vehicle was seen approaching Musheerabad Metro Station. The actor waved to fans through the sunroof, escalating the frenzy.
— 9:35 p.m.: Accompanied by a private security team of 40-50 personnel, Allu Arjun entered the theatre.
Pressure at the lower balcony gate led to its collapse, causing a stampede.
Around 10:45 p.m. ACP L. Ramesh Kumar returned to the theatre to inform Allu Arjun about the tragedy. However, his manager, Santhosh, reportedly obstructed the officers, assuring them he would relay the information. Despite multiple warnings from the police about the escalating situation, Allu Arjun continued watching the film, only agreeing to leave after the screening concluded.
At approximately 11:40 p.m., DCP intervened, demanding Allu Arjun leave the premises. After further delays, the actor was escorted out at 12:05 a.m. on December 5, with police clearing the theatre and nearby roads to ensure a smooth exit.
Published – December 22, 2024 09:09 pm IST