The controversy surrounding the arrest of Telugu actor Allu Arjun in Hyderabad has taken a new turn with the emergence of a letter allegedly written by the Chikkadpally Inspector of Police. The letter, reportedly addressed to the Sandhya Theatre management, denied permission for the actor’s visit to the venue during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule on December 4, citing safety concerns.
Citing the lack of a proper exit at the venue, the police asked the actor not to visit the theatre, where chaos ensued leading to the death of a 35-year-old woman. While Revathi died in the stampede, her 9-year-old son Shri Tej is still hospitalised and battling for his life.
There are no specific entry and exit points. If any celebrity visits the theatre during a special show, it is not possible to control the fans, the police had reportedly written to the theatre management.
On December 13, following Allu Arjun’s arrest, a letter written by the Sandhya Theatre management seeking police permission had surfaced. The viral letter changed the police narrative that they were not notified about the actor’s visit to the theatre. The police subsequently issued a statement clarifying that it was beyond their resources to provide security.
“Clarification regarding the letter being circulating in media addressed by Sandhya Cine Enterprise 70 MM to ACP Chikkadpally requesting bandobust on 04/05-12-2024 in connection with release of Pushpa-2. We receive a lot of requests for bandobast citing visits by some political personalities, film celebrities, religious programs etc., However, it is beyond our resources to provide bandobast for every event. In specific cases where a heavy crowd is expected or some popular personality is visiting, organiser personally visits police station/ACP/DCP office and briefs about the event, depending upon which we provide bandobust,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Zone Akshansh Yadav wrote.
Meanwhile, the actor, who is out on bail, issued a statement on December 15 saying that he is unable to visit Shri Tej and his family owing to the legal proceedings. Allu Arjun said that he is deeply concerned about the child’s health and assured that he would take care of his medical expenses.