Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has been directed to appear in person before the Nampally Court in Hyderabad on June 22, 2026. The summons, issued by the IX Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, marks a significant progression in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the tragic stampede that occurred during a special screening of the film Pushpa 2: The Rule in December 2024.
The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, at Sandhya Theatre, located in Hyderabad’s RTC X Roads. A massive crowd had gathered at the venue, hoping to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, who arrived to attend the premiere of his film. According to investigators, as the actor waved to fans from the sunroof of his vehicle, the crowd surged, leading to a loss of control that resulted in a fatal stampede.
The tragedy claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman, Revathi, and left her young son, Sritej, critically injured. The boy spent several months in intensive care following severe respiratory and neurological complications.
Following a complaint filed by the family of the deceased, the Chikkadpally Police registered an FIR against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the management of Sandhya Theatre under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation has led to a comprehensive chargesheet, filed on December 24, 2024, naming 23 individuals as accused:
- Accused Nos. 1–10: The owners, partners, and management staff of Sandhya Theatre.
- Accused No. 11: Allu Arjun.
- Other Accused: Members of the actor’s security detail, event organizers, and additional theatre staff.
Police investigators have highlighted several procedural failures, including the hosting of an unscheduled event without necessary permits, poor coordination between the theatre management and the actor’s team, and a lack of adequate crowd-control measures for high-profile movement.
Allu Arjun was previously arrested in connection with the case on December 13, 2024. He was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court the following day and later secured regular bail in January 2025.
The latest summons issued by the Nampally Court requires the actor and 18 other named accused to appear for a scheduled hearing on Monday, June 22. This appearance is widely viewed by legal observers as a precursor to the formal commencement of the trial. Allu Arjun’s legal team has confirmed receipt of the summons and stated that they will provide further details regarding the hearing as the date approaches.
Since the incident, both the actor’s family and the film’s production team have maintained a stance of providing support to the victims’ families. Allu Arjun’s father, veteran producer Allu Aravind, announced a financial contribution of ₹2 crore to assist the family of the deceased and to cover the extensive medical and rehabilitation expenses for Sritej, who is still undergoing long-term care.
The tragedy remains a somber reminder of the challenges surrounding crowd management during major film promotional events in the city. As the legal trial nears, the focus remains on the court’s upcoming review of the charges filed against the accused personnel and theatre management.
