Sri Teja, the eight-year-old boy, injured at the stampede in Hyderabad’s Sandhya theater, two weeks ago has suffered 'brain damage' owing to a lack of oxygen supply. The announcement was made by Hyderabad Commissioner CV Anand on Tuesday, December 17 following a visit to KIMS hospital where the child has been admitted.
Teja was at the theatre along with his family to watch the premier show of Allu Arjun starrer Pushpa 2: The Rule on December 4. Allu Arjun visited the theatre on the same day causing fans a commotion and a subsequent stampede. In the stampede, Teja’s mother Revathi was injured and subsequently passed away.
Telangana Health Secretary Dr Christina also informed the media that Sai Teja's health is being closely monitored, and doctors remain hopeful of a recovery.
Following Revathi’s demise, her husband Bhaskar, complained to the Chikadapally police station post which an FIR was registered.
The actor was arrested by police on Friday, December 13, in connection with the case. He was produced before a city court. Police had registered a case under sections 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 118(1) (Voluntarily causing hurt) r/w 3(5) BNS against Allu Arjun, his security team and the management of the theatre.
However, the Telangana High Court granted the actor interim bail in the case. Following his arrest, Bhaskar told the media that he didn't blame Arjun for the stampede.
“My son wanted to see the movie. I took the family to Sandhya Theatre. Allu Arjun had come there but it was not his mistake,” he said.
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Post his release from jail, Allu Arjun stated that he has been advised not to visit the family owing to ongoing legal proceedings. “My prayers remain with them and I remain committed to taking responsibility for addressing the medical and family needs,” he stated.
Note: This story has been edited to reflect a change in the Hyderabad police's press statement, which had initially said that the child was 'brain dead'.