The legal proceedings in the Sandhya Theatre stampede case took another step forward on Sunday as the Nampally Court heard the matter involving actor Allu Arjun and several others named in the chargesheet. While the court had directed all accused to appear in person, the hearing could not move ahead as planned after some of the accused reportedly failed to attend.
The case continues to draw public attention because of the tragic events surrounding a special screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad last year. The incident resulted in the death of a woman and left her young son seriously injured, leading to a police investigation and subsequent legal action against multiple individuals, including members of the theatre management and the film’s team.
Allu Arjun Joins Hearing Virtually From Mumbai
The court had earlier issued summons directing Allu Arjun to appear before the Nampally Court on June 22. However, the actor sought permission to attend the proceedings virtually, informing the court that he was currently occupied with an ongoing film shoot in Mumbai.
His legal team confirmed the development before the hearing. According to the actor’s counsel, “He will appear virtually before the Nampally Court after the court issued a summons requiring him to appear in person today. Allu Arjun had sought permission, citing his ongoing movie shoot in Mumbai.”
The court allowed the request, enabling the actor to participate through virtual mode. Arjun has been listed by investigators as Accused No. 11 (A11) in the case. His appearance comes months after his arrest in connection with the incident and subsequent release on interim bail.
Why the Court Deferred the Proceedings
The hearing was expected to mark an important procedural stage, as all accused had been directed to appear before the magistrate. However, the process could not be completed because not every individual named in the chargesheet was present.
Advocate Bhanu Chander, who represented members of the Sandhya Theatre management, addressed reporters outside the court and explained the reason for the adjournment. “I am here to represent in crime number 376 of 2024 in PRC (Preliminary Related Case) 260 of 2026 from A1 to A10 (the theatre management and partners). Today is the appearance before the Magistrate at Nampally to file a committal bond.”
He further stated, “But out of the 23 members (total accused listed in the police chargesheet), 21 or 22 have appeared; one or two are absent. That’s the reason it is posted for July 6 for the next steps for the registration of the SC sessions case. For the next hearing, all 23 members together should appear before the court.”
With the required presence of all accused not fulfilled, the magistrate adjourned the matter to July 6. The next hearing is expected to focus on procedural requirements before the case moves into the sessions court stage.
The Tragedy That Sparked the Case
The case stems from a tragic incident that occurred on December 4, 2024, during a special screening event for Pushpa 2: The Rule at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre. The event attracted a massive crowd as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, who attended the screening along with family members and members of the film’s team.
As the crowd surged toward the actor, a stampede-like situation reportedly developed outside the venue. In the chaos, 35-year-old Revathi lost her life, while her eight-year-old son Sritej suffered serious injuries and required extensive medical treatment. The incident quickly became one of the most discussed entertainment-related controversies in the country, leading to questions about crowd management, event permissions, and safety arrangements.
Following the tragedy, Hyderabad Police launched an investigation and later named multiple individuals in the chargesheet. The case eventually led to the arrest of Allu Arjun before he secured interim bail. The legal battle has continued ever since, with both the actor and other accused cooperating with court proceedings.
Support Extended to the Victim’s Family
In the months following the incident, members of the Pushpa team stepped forward to assist the affected family. Allu Arjun and his father, producer Allu Aravind, provided financial assistance and helped cover medical expenses related to Sritej’s treatment.
Several others associated with the film also reportedly contributed support to the family during the difficult period. Earlier this year, Allu Aravind personally visited the family to inquire about Sritej’s recovery and well-being, a gesture that received attention across Telugu cinema circles.
While the legal process continues, the case remains a significant chapter in the aftermath of Pushpa 2’s historic theatrical run. With the next hearing now scheduled for July 6, all eyes will be on whether the complete set of accused appear before the court and how the proceedings move forward in the coming weeks.
