The management of Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre has been issued a show cause notice by the Hyderabad police on account of the alleged lapses that caused the stampede and the unfortunate demise of a woman, and severe injury to her son, on the day of the Pushpa 2 premiere.
In the notice, dated December 12, the police cited 11 lapses, among which is the alleged failure of the theatre management to notify the local police about Allu Arjun's arrival on the night of the premiere when the stampede occurred. The notice also observed that the management did not ensure a proper entry, exit, or seating arrangement for the principal cast members.
It also noted the absence of proper signboards signifying the entry and exit points to guide the viewers, in addition to the management allegedly allowing fans to illegally position large flexes outside the theatre premises without approval and not arranging the necessary security measures for crowd management, resulting in the horrifying incident.
The notice directed the theatre management to show cause why its Cinematograph License should not be revoked due to the aforementioned lapses. The management was given 10 days to respond, failing which it would be assumed they had no explanation and further action would be taken without additional notice.
On Tuesday, a police official confirmed that the notice had been issued to the theatre management, seeking an explanation within 10 days.
Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The actor, arrested on December 13, was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court and later released from jail on December 14. The police also arrested three theatre officials.
Meanwhile, a medical bulletin from the private hospital where the woman's child is under treatment gave an update: "Child Sritej continues to remain in PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) needing mechanical ventilation with minimal support of oxygen and pressures. His fever is reducing, and he is on minimal inotropes. His vital parameters are stable, and he is tolerating feeds well. Given his static neurological status, a tracheostomy is being planned to facilitate weaning from the ventilator."
Meanwhile, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand and Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu visited the hospital on Tuesday to enquire about the boy. "There was a discussion in the government today, and whatever is required to save the boy and provide better treatment will be done," Anand said. The Health Secretary also assured the boy's father that the government would extend whatever support is necessary to the fullest extent.
The Hyderabad Police chief added, “The neurological condition is severely impacted. The doctors have opined that it will be a long haul before any improvements can be seen. The treatment is ongoing, and we are all hoping for the best.”
The government will bear the entire expenditure for the treatment, the officials confirmed.
