Hyderabad: Telugu actor Allu Arjun was questioned by the Hyderabad Police on Tuesday following a tragic stampede at a local theatre earlier this month that resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old child critically injured. Arjun, 41, was summoned by the police on Monday to assist with the investigation.

The police directed several key questions at the actor during the interrogation:

• Were you aware that the police had denied permission for your attendance at the premiere?
• Who decided to proceed with your appearance at the special screening despite the denial of permission from the police?
• Were you informed by any police officer about the stampede occurring outside the theatre?
• When did you learn about the death of the woman involved in the incident?

Sources suggest that the investigation is centered on two main concerns: whether Arjun had received the necessary permission to attend the screening, and whether he was authorized to interact with the large crowd that had gathered outside the theatre, which is situated in a busy area with other cinemas.

On December 13, nine days after the stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, Allu Arjun was arrested. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail, citing concerns about police overreach and his fundamental right to liberty. The court remarked, “Just because he is an actor… he cannot be held like this.”

According to the police, Allu Arjun’s unannounced arrival at the theatre for a special screening of his latest film sparked the stampede, as thousands of his fans rushed to catch a glimpse of the actor. Tragically, the woman, identified as Revathi, was crushed in the chaos. She and her son were pulled from under the crowd by the police, who administered first aid and rushed them to a hospital.

The police claim that Allu Arjun arrived around 9:30 PM, and within 15-20 minutes of his arrival—after entering through the main entrance and spending a brief time outside—news of his presence spread, causing hundreds of fans to gather. The situation escalated as security personnel and bouncers at the theatre began pushing the crowd back, which only worsened the chaos. According to the police, Allu Arjun had already entered the theatre by the time the situation became uncontrollable, and they allege that he conducted an impromptu roadshow despite warnings.

However, Arjun denies these allegations, stating that he simply waved at the crowd and went inside. He also clarified that no police officer asked him to leave, and that it was his manager who advised him to leave due to the crowd.

In response to the police’s claims that they were not informed of his visit, Allu Arjun’s team released a letter, dated two days prior to the screening, which requested security arrangements for the actor and his co-stars. The police, however, assert that no formal request was made, as per protocol.

The incident has led to charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder being filed against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre’s owner and staff. The theatre staff, along with the actor, were arrested but have since been granted bail.

Allu Arjun’s fellow actors have publicly defended him, stating that he should not be held responsible for the actions of others in the crowd. The actor himself expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as “very unfortunate” and criticizing what he called “misinformation” and “character assassination” in the media.

Public sentiment has been divided. On Sunday, a group of university students protested outside the actor’s home, vandalizing parts of his property, breaking flower pots, and throwing tomatoes. The protestors also shouted slogans before being removed by the police.

In an emotional turn, the woman’s husband spoke out on Monday, expressing that he did not hold the actor responsible for the stampede. He also stated that he was willing to withdraw the police case against Allu Arjun, acknowledging the support he had received from the actor. Allu Arjun has announced a ₹25 lakh contribution for the family, and the producers of his film Pushpa 2: The Rise have pledged an additional ₹50 lakh in support.