Allu Arjun Granted One-Month Bail: Lawyer Compares Case to Shah Rukh’s ‘Raees’
In the Sandhya Theatre case in Hyderabad, South superstar and Pushpa 2 actor Allu Arjun faced significant legal action. The police arrested him, and the Sessions Court ordered 14 days of judicial custody. However, the Telangana High Court granted him interim relief. On December 4, during a film screening, a stampede broke out in the theatre, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old woman and injuries to several others. The police registered cases against Allu Arjun and the theatre management, also detaining three individuals, including the theatre owner. On December 11, Allu Arjun approached the High Court to dismiss the case against him.
High Court Grants Interim Bail for Four Weeks
The Telangana High Court granted Allu Arjun interim bail for four weeks, directing him to furnish a ₹50,000 bond. The court upheld his fundamental rights, emphasizing that they cannot be denied. While expressing sympathy for the deceased woman’s family, the court questioned if the blame could be entirely placed on the accused.
Judge Demands Clarification on Case Filing
During the hearing, Allu Arjun’s lawyer argued that the arrest was made merely to sensationalize the case, asserting that it was unnecessary. The judge queried whether charges under IPC Sections 105(B) and 108 could apply to the actor and if he was directly responsible for the incident. The government lawyer stated that Allu Arjun’s presence had attracted a massive crowd, leading to the accident. However, the judge granted interim bail.
Lawyer Cites Shah Rukh Khan’s Precedent
Allu Arjun’s lawyer cited a previous Gujarat High Court case involving Shah Rukh Khan, where a stampede during a Raees promotion resulted in deaths. The courts ruled that such allegations only stand if the deaths directly result from the actor’s negligence. Similarly, the lawyer argued that Allu Arjun could not be held accountable for the incident.
Police’s Statement on the Case
ACP Ramesh Kumar stated that the case was registered based on CCTV footage and witness statements from inside and outside the cinema hall. Following an extensive investigation, Allu Arjun and other accused were booked.
Nampally Court Sentences Allu Arjun to Judicial Custody
The Nampally Sessions Court remanded Allu Arjun to 14 days of judicial custody, transferring him to Chanchalguda Jail. Revathi’s husband, the deceased woman’s spouse, expressed his willingness to withdraw the case, stating that Allu Arjun was not directly responsible for the incident. However, the court insisted on judicial custody.
Reaction from Victim’s Husband
Revathi’s husband, Bhaskar, stated he wanted to withdraw the case, asserting that the actor was not directly responsible. He had initially filed the FIR against Allu Arjun and the theatre management but later sought to stop the proceedings.
Varun Dhawan’s Support for Allu Arjun
Actor Varun Dhawan extended support to Allu Arjun, stating that such incidents are tragic and unfortunate, but a single individual cannot be held responsible for everything. He offered condolences to the affected families.
High Court Hearing Begins
Justice Juvvadi Sridevi of the Telangana High Court began hearing the case, questioning the arrests made so far. The government lawyer reported the detention of seven individuals two days earlier. Allu Arjun’s petition sought the dismissal of the FIR against him.
Theatre Management’s Demand for Security
The theatre management claimed they had informed the police about Allu Arjun’s arrival two days before the event, requesting security arrangements. Despite this, they alleged no concrete action was taken.
Telangana CM’s Statement
Telangana CM Revant Reddy commented that the government had no role in the case and that the law would take its course.
Allu Arjun’s Reaction to His Arrest
Allu Arjun expressed displeasure over his arrest, alleging that the police did not allow him time to change clothes or even have breakfast before taking him into custody. He recorded his statement at the Chikkadpally police station under tight security.
Medical Checkup Under Heavy Security
The police took Allu Arjun to Gandhi Hospital for a medical checkup, ensuring strict security measures.
Politicians Criticize Allu Arjun’s Treatment
BRS leader KTR criticized the police’s treatment of Allu Arjun, likening it to that of a common criminal, despite expressing sympathy for the victims of the stampede
