Indian actor Allu Arjun arrested after a stampede at Pushpa 2 screening killed a woman and injured her son, sparking controversy and legal action.

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]opular Indian actor Allu Arjun was arrested on Friday following a tragic stampede at a Pushpa 2: The Rule screening in Hyderabad.

The incident, which occurred on 4 December, claimed the life of a woman in her 30s and left several others injured, including her young son.

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Thousands of fans had gathered outside the theatre to catch a glimpse of the 42-year-old star, whose surprise appearance at the event allegedly triggered the chaos.

Local police confirmed Arjun’s arrest on suspicion of three offences, including “voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.”

Seven others, including members of Arjun’s security team and theatre staff, were also taken into custody in connection with the incident.

Video footage aired by TV9 showed Arjun, holding a coffee mug, cooperating with officers as they arrived at his residence to make the arrest.

Arjun was granted interim bail later in the day for four weeks, according to reports from local media.

Meanwhile, the family of the victim has lodged a formal complaint against Arjun, his security detail, and the theatre management, alleging negligence that contributed to the stampede.

The stampede reportedly caused severe injuries to the victim’s young son, who remains hospitalised. The incident has drawn attention to crowd control practices at high-profile events in India.

In the aftermath, Arjun expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“I am deeply heartbroken. While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extending every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey.”

Arjun, a prominent figure in Indian cinema with a massive fan base, particularly in southern India, is known for his lead role in the Pushpa film series.

The franchise has been a box office sensation, with Arjun earning a National Film Award for Best Actor for the first instalment.

While Pushpa 2: The Rule remains one of the most anticipated releases of the year, the recent tragedy casts a shadow over its success, raising questions about celebrity accountability and public safety measures.