Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, who recently faced criticism for “celebrating” his bail in connection with the Pushpa 2 screening stampede case, has expressed deep concern for the boy critically injured during the tragic incident.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Arjun shared his prayers for the recovery of Sri Tej, the boy who lost his mother in the stampede at a Hyderabad theatre earlier this month. The actor, citing ongoing legal proceedings, stated that he has been advised not to visit the boy or his family at this time.
“I remain deeply concerned about young Sri Tej, who is under constant medical care after the unfortunate incident. Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, I have been advised not to visit him and his family at this time. My prayers remain with them, and I remain committed to taking responsibility for addressing the medical and family needs,” the actor wrote.
He also wished the boy a speedy recovery, adding, “I look forward to meeting him and his family at the earliest.”
Backlash Over Bail Celebrations
The actor’s comments come amid online backlash over pictures showing him smiling and meeting friends and family after being granted bail on Saturday. Critics accused him of insensitivity toward the victims of the stampede.
Arjun was granted four weeks of bail a day after spending a night in jail. Upon his return home, several top celebrities, including Naga Chaitanya, Rana Daggubati, and Vijay Deverakonda, visited him at his residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
The Pushpa 2 Screening Tragedy
The incident occurred on December 4 during a screening of Pushpa 2 in Hyderabad when Allu Arjun made an unscheduled visit to a theatre. The crowd surged, leading to a stampede that claimed the life of a woman and left her son, Sri Tej, critically injured.
The boy, currently receiving treatment in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital, is on ventilatory support. According to the hospital, he is “hemodynamically stable and tolerating tube feedings,” but continues to experience intermittent fever and neurological symptoms.
Hyderabad police have registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management. According to authorities, there was no prior intimation from the theatre or Arjun’s team about his visit, which led to inadequate crowd management.
Actor’s Commitment to Victim’s Family
Allu Arjun reiterated his commitment to supporting the boy’s medical and family needs, emphasizing his responsibility to address the situation. While the legal proceedings prevent him from direct involvement at the moment, the actor assured fans that he is closely monitoring the boy’s condition.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about crowd safety at celebrity events and the accountability of those involved.
Sources By Agencies
