Entertainment
oi-Prakash KL
Actor Allu Arjun has been asked to appear before Hyderabad’s Nampally Court on June 22 in the Sandhya Theatre stampede case, a matter linked to the special screening of Pushpa 2 in December 2024. The court summons bring the actor back into the legal spotlight more than a year and a half after the incident, which led to one death and left a child seriously injured.
According to the available case details, summons have been issued to several people named in the matter. Allu Arjun has reportedly been listed as Accused No. 11, while the management of Sandhya Theatre has been named as Accused Nos. 1 to 10. Police have already filed a charge sheet naming 23 accused, while summons have been issued to 19 people at this stage.
Actor Allu Arjun is summoned to appear in Nampally Court on June 22 for the Sandhya Theatre stampede case linked to a ‘Pushpa 2’ screening, an incident resulting in one death and severe injury to a child, with Arjun listed as Accused No. 11.
Confirming the development, the actor’s legal team said, “Nampally Court has issued summons to actor Allu Arjun to appear in person before the court on Monday for a hearing. We will give more details later about the matter.” The court appearance is expected to be part of the next procedural step after the filing of the charge sheet.
What the Sandhya Theatre stampede case is about
The case relates to the crowd surge at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad on December 4, 2024, during a special screening of Pushpa 2. The event had drawn large crowds, with fans gathering around the theatre amid heightened public interest in the film and the actor’s presence. The situation turned tragic when crowding led to a stampede-like situation.
A woman named Revathi died in the incident. Her son, Sri Teja, suffered severe injuries and was taken to hospital in a semi-conscious condition. His condition later worsened, with reports referring to respiratory complications and neurological damage. He required prolonged intensive care and ventilator support during treatment.
Sri Teja spent close to five months under hospital care before being discharged in April 2025. He was later shifted to a rehabilitation facility in Ramgopalpet for continued treatment and recovery support. His case has remained a major focus of public attention because of the seriousness of his injuries and the long-term care required.
Why Allu Arjun’s court appearance matters
The summons do not by themselves establish guilt. They indicate that the court wants the accused or named individuals to be present as proceedings move forward. In criminal cases, once a charge sheet is filed, the court examines the material placed before it and may require accused persons to appear for further procedural steps.
The actor’s listing as Accused No. 11 makes the June 22 hearing significant, especially because the case involves questions about crowd management, permissions, theatre arrangements and responsibility during high-attendance public events. The theatre management being named among the first accused suggests that investigators have also examined operational and safety aspects of the screening.
Large film events in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh often attract intense fan gatherings, especially for major star-led releases. Special shows and benefit screenings can become difficult to manage when crowds build up outside theatres. The Sandhya Theatre incident has therefore also raised wider questions about event planning, police coordination, entry control and emergency response at cinema venues.
Support extended to Sri Teja’s family
Even as the legal case continues, members of Allu Arjun’s family have remained in contact with Sri Teja’s family, according to reports. Producer Allu Aravind and Allu Arjun’s wife Sneha Reddy reportedly visited the child and his family, enquired about his recovery and assured continued support.
Reports have also stated that Allu Aravind offered to support the education of Sri Teja’s younger sister. The family has reportedly received assistance for Sri Teja’s treatment from the Allu family and the production banner associated with Pushpa. Visuals from a family visit later appeared through a fan account on social media.
For Sri Teja’s family, the immediate concern remains medical recovery and rehabilitation. Long-term neurological and respiratory complications can require extended follow-up, therapy and structured care. The child’s discharge from hospital marked an important stage, but rehabilitation usually involves continued monitoring and support over a longer period.
Legal process after the charge sheet
The filing of a charge sheet means police have placed their investigation findings before the court. The court will now proceed according to criminal procedure, including appearance of the accused, consideration of documents and further hearings. Any charges, if framed later, would depend on the court’s assessment of the material on record.
The case will also be watched closely by the Telugu film industry because of its potential impact on how promotional screenings and star appearances are handled. Theatre owners, producers and event organisers may face greater scrutiny over crowd-control measures, especially for films expected to draw huge fan turnouts.
Allu Arjun’s appearance before Nampally Court on June 22 will be the next key date in the matter. The hearing is expected to clarify how the court intends to proceed after the charge sheet and summons. For now, the case remains centred on accountability for the Sandhya Theatre tragedy and the continuing recovery of Sri Teja.
