Pushpa 2 Controversy: On Sunday afternoon, members of Osmania University’s Joint Action Committee (JAC) staged a protest at Tollywood superstar Allu Arjun’s residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The protesters damaged property, pelted stones, and vandalized flower pots while raising slogans against the actor, blaming him for a fatal stampede at the Sandhya Theatre during a screening of Pushpa 2.
Pushpa 2 Controversy: Protest and Arrests
The incident involved six protesters, who carried placards and stormed into the actor’s residence. According to ANI, all six individuals have been detained by the police. However, no formal complaint has been filed by Allu Arjun’s family. Notably, the actor was not present at his residence at the time of the incident. A video circulating online captured the protesters causing damage to the property inside the compound.
The incident of stone pelting at actor Allu Arjun's residence in Hyderabad highlights the shocking failure of law and order under the Congress government in the state. Incidents reflect the administration's inability to protect & ensure the safety and security of citizens.… pic.twitter.com/xhRMmNs1mj
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) December 22, 2024
Allu Arjun’s Appeal to Fans
Earlier in the day, Allu Arjun took to social media to address the ongoing controversies. The actor urged fans to maintain decorum and act responsibly, both online and offline.
“I appeal to all my fans to express their feelings responsibly, as always, and not resort to any kind of abusive language or behavior both online and offline,” he wrote. The actor further warned against the misuse of fake profiles to post abusive comments, promising strict action against such behavior.
Pushpa 2: Tragic Stampede on December 4
The controversy stems from a December 4 stampede during the screening of Pushpa 2 at Sandhya Theatre, where massive crowds gathered to see Allu Arjun and music director Devi Sri Prasad. The theatre’s main gate collapsed amidst the chaos, leading to a stampede in which a 35-year-old woman tragically lost her life, and her young son sustained severe injuries.
The deceased woman’s husband has since stated that he does not hold Allu Arjun responsible for the tragedy. “I am ready to withdraw the case,” he said, clarifying that Allu Arjun had no direct involvement in the incident.
Legal Troubles for Allu Arjun
On December 13, Allu Arjun was arrested and sent to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the stampede but was granted interim bail the same day by the Telangana High Court. The court ruled that there was no malicious intent associated with the actor’s involvement and set a personal bail bond of ₹50,000. The actor was charged under Sections 105 and 118(1) of the BNS Act for alleged negligence. May you like this- Pushpa 2 Box Office Day 17: Allu Arjun’s Blockbuster Shines in its Third Week
Political Uproar and Allegations
The controversy escalated further when Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy criticized Allu Arjun for visiting the Sandhya Theatre despite being denied police permission. Reddy also alleged that the actor continued his promotional activities, including a roadshow with co-star Rashmika Mandanna, even after the stampede occurred.
In response, Allu Arjun denied these claims, calling them “misinformation” and accusing the officials of attempting “character assassination.” He clarified that he was unaware of the stampede until the following morning and extended his condolences to the victim’s family.
Pushpa 2’s Box Office Success Amid Controversy
Despite the controversy, Pushpa 2: The Rule has been a massive success at the global box office, surpassing the ₹1,500 crore mark. The film stars Allu Arjun alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil and continues to dominate the industry.