Sandhya Theatre incident: "No special privileges, protecting lives of people is govt's priority", Telangana CM

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 21 : Telanagana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday defended his government over the arrest of Cine Star Allu Arjun for the incident at the Sandhya Theatre. The Telangana goverrnment had been criticised by several people including Union Minister Ashwini Vasihnaw for the action. However, the Telangana CM said that there would be "no special privileges" for anyone, adding that protecting the lives of people is the "priority" of the state government.
"Akbaruddin Owaisi submitted a request to the Chikkadpally police station on 2nd December to make arrangements for the cast and crew of Pushpa 2 coming to Sandhya theatre for the film's release on 4th December. On 3rd December, the Chikkadpally Circle inspector gave a written reply rejecting the request citing that since the theatre is in a crowded place and has only one exit and entry point, the police will not be able to control (any bad situation). The police refused the request due to concerns about managing the crowd. However, the police asked the theatre management to advise the actor against visiting the theatre. Yet, the hero came to watch the movie the next day and got out of the car roof, doing a roadshow at the RTC X road," Revanth Reddy said in the Telangana Assembly on Saturday.
CM Reddy also criticised Allu Arjun for holding a roadshow and waving to the crowd despite the large gathering, which led to chaos.
"The police saw their predicament and shifted them to a hospital where Revathi was declared dead on arrival. The boy was in a critical condition. It was heart-wrenching to see Revathi holding her son's hand tight even after her death. After the stampede, the ACP went to ask the hero to leave to gain control of the mob. At first, the actor refused saying that he would leave after finishing the movie. Then the DCP had to intervene, asking the hero to leave or he would be arrested as two people had already fallen outside... Even while leaving, he again came out of the roof and did a roadshow," he said.
Telangana CM also criticsed the film personalities who had questioned the Government's intent when Allu Arjun was arrested.
"I appeal to the top film personalities that they should not be inhuman. There would be no special privileges for anyone involved in incidents like the stampede death. The government would not spare those responsible for troubling the common people. Protecting the lives of the people is the highest priority of my government," the CM asserted.
CM Reddy's remarks came after AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi raised the issue in the Assembly.
"I do not want to name that famous film star, but as per my knowledge, when that film star was told that there was a stampede outside the theatre, two children had fallen and a woman had died, then that star smiled and said that 'the film is going to be a hit now.' Despite this, he watched the entire film and was waving his hand towards the crowd while leaving. He is giving the message that the government is doing injustice... he did not even bother to go and inquire about their condition (the injured)," Akbaruddin Owaisi said.
On December 16, Actor Allu Arjun was released on interim bail following his arrest in the Sandhya theatre incident. He expressed his concern about the health of the injured victim and wished him a speedy recovery.
He said that he has been advised not to visit victim Sri Tej, due to the "ongoing legal proceedings" but added that his prayers remain with him. He also affirmed his commitment to help with his medical needs.
The 'Pushpa' actor was granted bail by Telangana High Court after furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000.
The incident occurred on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre when Allu Arjun attended the premiere of his movie 'Pushap 2'. A woman named Revathi died and her son Sri Tej was injured. The incident leading to Allu Arjun's arrest.