Hyderabad: ACP Sabbati Vishnumurthy, who became a household name across Telugu states for issuing a stern “mass warning” to superstar Allu Arjun during the Pushpa 2 premiere incident, passed away on Sunday night due to a heart attack at his residence in Hyderabad. His sudden demise has left colleagues and the police community mourning the loss of a dedicated officer who served in multiple capacities over the years. Fellow officers remembered him for his unwavering commitment to public service and citizen safety, paying tribute to his decades-long contributions to the police department.
The incident that brought ACP Vishnumurthy nationwide attention occurred during the premiere of Pushpa 2 at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad, where a stampede led to the tragic death of a woman and severe injury to a child. In the aftermath, then-suspended ACP Vishnumurthy strongly criticized Allu Arjun’s response to the situation. At a press conference at Hyderabad Press Club, he questioned the actor’s public statements and behavior, asserting, “While the stampede case is under court investigation, how can a celebrity hold a press meet claiming no fault?”
చట్టం ఎప్పుడూ బాధితుడి వైపు ఉంటుంది.
నువ్వు తలుపు కొడతావ్. తీయక పోతే బద్దలు కొట్టుకుని లోపాలకి పోతావా? పోలీస్ పర్మిషన్ కూడా అంతే. మేము రిప్లై ఇవ్వక పోతే రాలేదని అర్ధం.
నీ సినిమాలో పోలీస్ ఆఫీసర్ ని బట్టలిప్పించి నిలబెట్టావ్
– ACP Vishnu Murthy https://t.co/03I5L9KLBI pic.twitter.com/vA4eGiDHsG
— idlebrain.com (@idlebraindotcom) December 22, 2024
He also warned the actor against making false allegations against the police, stating, “Some influential people are spreading misinformation, defaming the police and sending wrong signals to the public. Police deserve basic respect. If your bouncers overreach, we will take strict action.” He further emphasized, “Allu Arjun must cooperate with authorities. Otherwise, legal action will follow. No citizen, including film stars, is above the law.” Hyderabad police had also announced that departmental action would be taken against ACP Vishnumurthy for conducting a press conference without prior approval from higher authorities.
ACP Vishnumurthy’s firm stance during the Pushpa 2 premiere incident made him a respected figure in law enforcement circles and among the public, highlighting his dedication to upholding law and order. His sudden passing marks the end of an era of disciplined and fearless policing.