Telugu actor Allu Arjun was granted interim bail for four weeks by the Telangana High Court on Friday in connection with the stampede that occurred during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad. The court emphasized that Allu Arjun, like any citizen, is entitled to life and liberty, regardless of his profession.
The decision followed a whirlwind of events, beginning with Allu Arjun’s arrest at his residence, after which a lower court had ordered his 14-day judicial custody. The stampede on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre resulted in the death of a 39-year-old woman and injuries to her minor son.
Justice Juvvadi Sridevi stated that the actor should not be held primarily responsible for the incident, as he had merely attended the film’s premiere. “Saying that he is an actor, he cannot be deprived of his right. As a citizen of this earth, he too has the right to life and liberty,” the court remarked, expressing sympathy for the victim’s family.
The court also noted that Sandhya Theatre had requested police security due to the presence of Allu Arjun and co-star Rashmika Mandhana. It dismissed the Telangana government’s argument that Arjun should have known such an incident might occur. “Is he responsible for the tragedy that happened? What knowledge did he have? He has taken permission,” the court stated.
