HYDERABAD: Telugu superstar Allu Arjun was released from Chanchalguda prison in Hyderabad early Saturday after spending a tense night behind bars, despite being granted interim bail by Telangana high court in connection with a stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2 on Dec 4.
The movie hall drew a massive crowd to see the actor, leading to chaos and the death of 37-year-old Revathi and critical injuries to her son. The stampede sparked widespread public outrage and raised questions about safety protocols at large public events. Arjun was arrested Friday along with three others in connection with the overcrowding at the theatre and the subsequent stampede. Two other accused were also granted interim bail.
While HC granted interim bail for four weeks late Friday night, jail authorities delayed his release, citing procedural norms. “The court’s order reached the prison almost at midnight. However, it is the established practice in all state jails to release prisoners the same day only if the bail order is received before 8pm. Any order received after 8pm is processed the next morning at 5am,” said a prison official. His lawyer said: “We will pursue legal action against this illegal detention.” Prison officials said they would provide an explanation if the court sought one. Arjun exited the jail through the rear gate to avoid the crowds of fans gathered at the main entrance. Jail sources said Arjun was treated like any other inmate during his detention. He shared accommodation with two other accused, ate regular prison food, and made no special demands.
Arjun said: “It is unfortunate that a woman lost her life. I will personally support the family.” Telangana Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud defended the police action and dismissed claims of favouritism, despite Arjun’s family connection to CM Revanth Reddy. “Everyone is equal before the law,” he said.
