Telugu superstar Allu Arjun addressed the media following his release from Chanchalguda Central Jail on Saturday morning. Speaking about his recent arrest and the tragic incident during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2: The Rule, the actor expressed gratitude towards his fans and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
"We are extremely sorry for the family. I will personally be there to help them in whatever way possible. I was inside the theatre watching a movie with my family and the accident happened outside. It has no direct connection with me. It was purely accidental and unintentional... I have been going to the same theatre for the last 20 years, and I have been to the same place more than 30 times. There has never been an accident like this before. I should reserve my comments because I don’t want to say anything that will tamper the case," he said.
Delay in bail order sparks outrage
Allu Arjun, who was lodged in Chanchalguda Jail in Hyderabad on Friday night, was released on Sunday morning. The delay reportedly occurred after the Telangana High Court’s interim bail order failed to reach the jail authorities in time, prompting protests from hundreds of fans who had gathered outside the jail.
Lawyer questions delay despite court order
Allu Arjun’s lawyer, Ashok Reddy, said a copy of the Supreme Court bail order has been served on jail authorities, but the actor’s release was pending. “The High Court directed the jail authorities to release Allu Arjun forthwith, yet he remains in custody. We don’t know the reason behind this delay,” Reddy told reporters.
Arrest following tragic stampede
Allu Arjun was arrested on Friday morning in connection with the December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of the movie Pushpa 2: The Rule. The incident left a 35-year-old woman dead and her eight-year-old son hospitalised. The stampede occurred as thousands of fans thronged the theater to see the actor.
The city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theater management under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The arrest, which took place at his residence, was followed by a 14-day judicial custody order by a lower court.
High Court grants interim bail
The Telangana High Court granted Allu Arjun interim bail for four weeks, observing that the actor had a right to life and liberty as a citizen. Justice Juvvadi Sridevi noted that the actor could not be held prima facie responsible for the stampede, as he had merely attended the event for the premiere.
Fans protest outside jail
As the release process stretched into the night, fans gathered outside Chanchalguda Jail, protesting the delay. Police officials have stated that the actor is likely to be released between 7 and 8 AM on Saturday.
Class-1 barrack prepared for the star
Sources revealed that jail authorities had prepared a Class-1 barrack at Chanchalguda Jail for Allu Arjun’s stay. However, with his release expected soon, he may not require extended accommodations.
Actor seeks quashing of FIR
Allu Arjun has approached the Telangana High Court to quash the FIR against him, asserting his non-involvement in the tragic incident. Further updates on the case and the actor’s release are awaited.
Ongoing investigation and public reaction
The incident has stirred widespread reactions, with fans expressing support for the actor while authorities continue their investigation into the tragic stampede.
Also read | Allu Arjun released from jail after night of protests by fans in Hyderabad
