The recent stampede at the Pushpa 2 premiere has sparked significant controversy in Telangana, with key figures taking opposing stances. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and actor Allu Arjun have engaged in a heated exchange regarding the incident.
According to a report by Indian Express, during a session in the Telangana Assembly on Saturday, CM Reddy accused Allu Arjun of attending the theatre despite police denying permission and remaining there even after a woman tragically died in the stampede, claiming that police had to “force the actor out.”
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In response, Allu Arjun held a press conference to deny these allegations, labeling them as false and defamatory. He asserted that he adhered to all police directives, stating, “There is a lot of misinformation suggesting I acted irresponsibly. These claims are incorrect and damaging to my character. If permission had not been granted, I would have been instructed to leave, as I am a law-abiding citizen. I followed their guidance.”
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Allu Arjun expressed his disappointment over the accusations, emphasizing that he has spent over twenty years building his career and reputation. He refuted claims that he remained at the theatre after learning of the woman’s death, stating, “I am not inhuman.”
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In the Assembly, CM Reddy criticized the actor for allegedly conducting a roadshow and waving to fans despite the overcrowding, a claim Allu Arjun denied. The CM noted that the theatre management had requested police security for the event scheduled on December 4, but the police declined, citing difficulties in managing the crowd due to the theatre’s limited entry and exit points.
Allu Arjun clarified, “It was not a roadshow. There was no procession. It was just a crowd a few meters away from the theatre.” The CM further accused the actor of creating chaos by waving to the crowd from his car’s sunroof while entering and exiting the theatre, alleging that his private security pushed fans aside, resulting in a stampede-like situation.
CM Revanth Reddy claimed that the theatre management initially prevented a police officer from reaching Allu Arjun to advise him to leave due to the tense circumstances. When the officer finally reached him, Allu Arjun allegedly refused to leave immediately and waved to the crowd again while exiting.
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“What kind of person is he?” Reddy questioned. The CM also criticized the film industry for showing concern for Allu Arjun after his arrest but neglecting the boy who suffered serious injuries during the stampede and is currently hospitalized. Allu Arjun responded that he wished to visit the injured boy but refrained from doing so on the advice of his legal team.
