Allu Arjun offers support to family after woman dies in Pushpa 2 stampede

Actor Allu Arjun has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic death of a 35-year-old woman named Revathi during a stampede at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad. The stampede occurred on December 4 during a special screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule, where the actor made a surprise appearance. The incident also left several others injured.

Allu Arjun pledges financial aid to grieving family

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Allu Arjun extended his condolences to the grieving family, expressing profound heartbreak over the incident. The actor stated that he, along with the entire Pushpa 2 team, was deeply affected by the tragedy. He pledged financial assistance of ₹25 lakh to Revathi’s family and committed to covering the medical expenses of the injured victims.

Arjun emphasized that the gesture was meant to show solidarity with the family, particularly the children affected by the tragedy. He assured the family of his continued support and promised to meet them personally while respecting their privacy during this difficult time.

Statement from the actor

In his message, Allu Arjun explained the unexpected nature of the tragedy. He recounted how he had visited Sandhya Theatre for the film’s premiere and was devastated to learn about the stampede the following day. “It was deeply disheartening to hear that a family was injured, and Revathi succumbed to her injuries. Watching movies in theatres is a cherished ritual, but this incident left us heartbroken,” he stated.

Arjun reiterated his commitment to helping the family navigate the challenging days ahead, adding, “This is our way of showing that we are there for you, especially for the children in the family.”

What happened at Sandhya Theatre?

The incident unfolded when a massive crowd gathered outside the theatre to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun during the screening. According to police, the family, standing near the entrance, was caught in the chaos as fans surged forward. Revathi and her young son were trampled in the crowd. While her husband and daughter escaped with minor injuries, Revathi suffered critical injuries and later died.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the event’s security arrangements, with questions being raised about the organisers’ preparedness for handling such a large crowd. Reports suggest that Allu Arjun may face legal scrutiny for the circumstances leading to the stampede.

Pushpa 2’s box office success overshadowed by tragedy

The tragic incident comes amid the overwhelming success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, which has already earned ₹175.1 crore at the box office. While the film’s release was anticipated as a major milestone for Telugu cinema, the stampede has cast a shadow over its achievements.

This marks a stark reminder of the importance of crowd management and safety measures during high-profile events. Fans and critics alike have called for stricter protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Actor’s efforts lauded but questions remain

Arjun’s swift response and financial aid have been widely appreciated by fans and industry peers. However, questions remain about whether more could have been done to ensure the safety of attendees. Observers note that the actor’s presence at such events draws massive crowds, underscoring the need for meticulous planning and security measures.