The eight-year-old boy injured in the December 4 stampede during the screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule is steadily recovering. His father, Bhaskar, informed the media on Tuesday that the child no longer requires oxygen or ventilator support.
Health Update Indicates Progress
Doctors have confirmed that while recovery will take time, the boy’s condition is improving. According to a hospital statement, “His vital signs are stable, and he is breathing without external support.” The boy responds to verbal stimuli but has yet to follow commands or recognize family members. However, he is tolerating food through a nasogastric tube and has been fever-free for three days.
Bhaskar shared his relief, saying, “The child responded after 20 days… he is responding today.”
Tragic Stampede and Police Case
The stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre resulted in the death of Bhaskar’s wife and severe injuries to their son. Following the incident, Hyderabad Police filed a case against actor Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Financial and Emotional Support
Bhaskar revealed receiving financial aid, including ₹10 lakh from actor Allu Arjun and additional contributions from the Pushpa production house and Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy. He clarified that his readiness to withdraw the complaint stems from gratitude for the support rather than external pressure.
Film Industry Steps In
Prominent producer and Film Development Corporation (FDC) chairman Dil Raju pledged ongoing assistance for the family. He offered Bhaskar a permanent job in the film industry and emphasized that the boy’s recovery is the top priority. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also supported this initiative.
A delegation from the film industry plans to meet the Chief Minister to discuss the tragedy and seek government support.
Legal and Political Developments
On December 13, police arrested Allu Arjun, who was named as accused number 11 in the case. The Telangana High Court granted him interim bail the same day, and he was released on December 14. The actor was questioned for three hours by police on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked political controversy. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy criticized Allu Arjun, accusing him of negligence and stating that police had denied permission for the event. In response, Allu Arjun held a press conference, refuting the allegations and maintaining that he adhered to all safety guidelines.
The incident remains a topic of heated debate, drawing attention from both the film industry and political leaders.
