Hyderabad stampede: Telugu superstar Allu Arjun walks out of jail, says 'I respect the law and will fully cooperate'
PTC Web Desk: Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, who was arrested in connection with the Hyderabad Sandhya Theatre stampede case, has been released from jail following interim bail granted by the Telangana High Court. The incident, which occurred during the premiere of his blockbuster film 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', claimed the life of a 39-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old son hospitalised.
Addressing the media and his fans outside his Jubilee Hills residence in Hyderabad, the actor expressed regret over the tragedy, terming it an "unintentional accident." "I deeply respect the law and will fully cooperate with the authorities," said the 41-year-old star. "This has been a challenging time for me and my family. My condolences go out to the bereaved family, and I am sorry for what happened."
The stampede-like situation occurred on December 4 when thousands of fans gathered at Sandhya Theatre to catch a glimpse of the actor during the film's premiere. Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management, based on a complaint filed by the deceased woman's family.
Allu Arjun was arrested on Friday morning and sent to judicial custody for 14 days by a lower court. However, the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail, citing that the actor could not be prima facie held responsible as he had merely attended the premiere of his movie. Justice Juvvadi Sridevi noted that Allu Arjun, as a citizen, holds the fundamental right to life and liberty.
Despite the bail order, procedural delays meant the actor had to spend the night in jail and was released on Saturday. The incident has sparked political reactions, with BJP and BRS leaders criticising the ruling Congress for its handling of the case. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defended the action, stating, "The law is equal for everyone and will take its course."
- With inputs from agencies
