Pushpa-2 stampede death: Top cop who slammed Allu Arjun to face action; police release video of the incident

The stampede death at Sandhya theatre in Hyderabad during the release of Pushpa-2 turned murkier after a top Hyderabad police official who made a scathing attack at actor Allu Arjun set to face disciplinary action for his unauthorised comments.

Central Zone DCP Akash Yadav said disciplinary action would be taken against ACP Pabbathi Vishnu Murthy for holding a press conference and making critical remarks against actor Allu Arjun without prior permission. Murthy, who is reportedly not in the investigation team, had held a press conference against Allu Arjun calling him a "money-driven actor" who disrespected the police. "How can an actor, who is an accused in a case, conduct a press meet?", said Murthy while questioning the propriety of Allu Arjun’s actions.

Murthy further slammed the actor, stating that it was unacceptable to act as if they were above the law. "Regarding the Sandhya Theater incident, someone lost their life, yet he left without showing any concern. I will ensure that not a single officer approaches you. Think about how you’ll manage to step outside," Murthy warned.

However, his comments drew the ire of senior police officials. Yadav said disciplinary action would be taken against Murthy for holding a press conference, stating that Murthy is already under suspension.

"He conducted a press meet without our approval, violating regulations. Strict disciplinary measures will be taken against him. Such behaviour is unacceptable, and we disapprove of his comments on Allu Arjun," local media quoted the DCP.

The reports added that Murthy worked with the Task Force wing of the Karimnagar police and was placed under suspension in October following various allegations against him.

CCTV footage

Meanwhile, Hyderabad Police released CCTV footage which purportedly showed Allu Arjun staying back in the theatre during the screening of 'Pushpa-2' despite being told to do so given a stampede.

City Police Commissioner C V Anand told reporters on Sunday that the video was made by collating footage, including from news channels and cell phone clips. It suggests the actor remained in the theatre till midnight.

He, however, did not comment on the video. "The media can draw its conclusions," he said.

A police official, detailing the sequence of events on the day, said he and other police officials informed a manager of Allu Arjun about the death of the woman and told him that the situation was out of control. He indicated that they were not allowed to meet the actor.

"Allu Arjun's staff members told them that they would convey the matter to the actor but did not do so," he said. The police official later managed to reach the actor and informed him about the stampede death. He also asked Allu Arjun to leave the theatre so that the fans wouldn't harm each other while trying to catch a glimpse of him.

The official also told the actor that security arrangements would be made for his exit. However, the actor said he would go only after watching the film, the police official said.

"Later, accompanied by a senior officer, the official went inside and brought the actor out," he said.

The Commission also warned that strict action would be taken against bouncers if the allegations that they pushed crowds as well as policemen when the stampede occurred at the cinema hall were proven true.

"The VIPs would be made responsible for the behaviour of the bouncers hired by them," he said.

The commissioner also refused to comment on whether the police would appeal against the interim bail granted to Allu Arjun. He also refused to comment on whether the woman's family told him about Allu Arjun's team or film production team allegedly threatening them not to speak on the issue.