Telugu superstar Allu Arjun was released from Chanchalguda prison early Saturday morning after spending a night behind bars in connection with the tragic death of a woman during a stampede at the premiere of his latest blockbuster, Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Despite being granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court late Friday night, Arjun remained in custody as prison authorities reportedly did not receive the court order in time. Speaking to reporters after the release, Arjun’s lawyer, Ashok Reddy, termed the delay “illegal detention” and vowed to take legal action.
Arjun Speaks Out
Following his release at 6:45 am, Arjun addressed the media, expressing condolences to the victim’s family. “This is a very, very unfortunate incident. My heartfelt condolences to the family. I am a law-abiding citizen and respect the legal process. I will fully cooperate with the authorities and do everything necessary,” he said.
While the 42-year-old actor refrained from commenting on his arrest, he emphasized his respect for the judicial process. “When the law is taking its course, I must not interfere or speak about the case,” he stated.
The actor admitted it was a challenging time for his family but assured that he would stand by the victim’s family and extend his support.
The Stampede Incident
The stampede occurred on December 4 at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, where thousands of fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of Arjun during the premiere. The chaotic scene led to the death of a 35-year-old woman and the hospitalization of her eight-year-old son.
The police subsequently filed a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a complaint from the victim’s family.
A Day of Legal and Emotional Turmoil
Arjun’s arrest on Friday morning unfolded dramatic scenes as he was escorted from his residence to Chikkadpally police station and later produced in a local court. The court remanded him to 14 days’ judicial custody, prompting his legal team to immediately move the High Court for relief.
Post-release, Arjun visited his family production house, Geetha Arts, before returning home, where he was greeted emotionally by his wife, son, and other family members.
Legal Challenges and Allegations
Ashok Reddy criticized the prison authorities for not acting on the High Court’s clear directive to release Arjun “forthwith.” Reddy alleged that Arjun’s detention violated the court order and demanded accountability from the government and prison department.
Adding to the controversy, Reddy claimed that Arjun was treated as a “special category prisoner” while in jail, though no further details were provided.
Security Beefed Up
Anticipating a surge of fans outside the actor’s residence, police have intensified security measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
The tragic incident and Arjun’s subsequent arrest have raised questions about crowd management at celebrity events, the accountability of organizers, and the role of public figures in ensuring safety during high-profile gatherings. As Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to dominate headlines, this controversy casts a shadow over its success.
