Allu Arjun arrested, to spend night in jail despite being granted bail by High Court; police face criticism from court

HYDERABAD: Telugu superstar Allu Arjun was arrested by the Telangana police on Friday without issuing any notice. The actor was arrested in connection with the tragic death of a woman in a stampede during the release of the film 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' at a theatre in Hyderabad. Although the Nampally Magistrate Court remanded the actor to judicial custody for 14 days, the Telangana High Court immediately intervened and granted him an interim bail. However, Allu Arjun is currently remaining in the Chanchalguda Central Jail as the copy of the bail order signed by the judge has not reached the jail yet. The jail authorities said that the actor will be released soon after they receive the court order.

A large police force was deployed in front of the Chanchalguda Central Jail to prevent any untoward incidents. A large number of fans have gathered outside the jail even at late night.

The Hyderabad Police Task Force arrived at Allu Arjun's residence on Friday morning. Although the actor's father, renowned producer Allu Aravind, and wife Sneha Reddy argued with the officers, they were unable to prevent the arrest. The arrest took place even as a petition to quash the FIR was pending in the High Court.

Following the remand order by the Magistrate Court, Allu Arjun's lawyer brought the matter to the High Court's attention around 4 PM. Justice Juvvadi Sridevi granted interim bail, stating that the arrest was troubling. She also pointed out that the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder was not applicable in the case.

The prosecution argued that since other accused had been arrested, Allu Arjun's arrest could not be avoided either. Cases were also registered against the theatre owner and private security personnel. The theatre owner and an employee were also arrested by the police.

On December 4th, at 11 PM, a stampede at Sandhya Theater in Hyderabad resulted in the death of Revathi (35). Her son Sriteja (9) is in critical condition and undergoing treatment. The chaos erupted following the arrival of Allu Arjun, his family, and the film crew for the premiere show.

Can be imprisoned for 5 to 10 years
1. The arrest was made under Sections 105 and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which can result in imprisonment ranging from 5 to 10 years. The High Court clarified yesterday that the charge of homicide does not stand.
2. According to the prosecution, the issue was caused by the way Allu Arjun's private security personnel handled the public.
3. Allu Arjun claimed he had given prior notice to both theatre owners and police about coming to the theatre and had asked them to make requisite arrangements.