Hyderabad: Police have released CCTV footage related to the stampede incident at Sandhya Theatre, delivering a fresh blow to actor Allu Arjun. ACP confirmed during a press briefing that he personally informed the actor about the potential risks of the event.
During the press conference, police detailed the tragic events that unfolded during the stampede. SHO Raju Nayak, who was present at the scene, shared an emotional account, expressing regret over the loss of life.
“Couldn’t Save a Life”
“I’ve been haunted for the past 15 days by the fact that I couldn’t save a life despite trying my best,” Nayak said. He revealed that Srithesh, one of the victims, passed away in his arms despite his efforts to resuscitate him through CPR. Nayak also wished for the speedy recovery of Srithesh’s son, who remains hospitalized.
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“I Thought I Wouldn’t Survive”
Recounting the chaos, Nayak described how the stampede spiraled out of control. “The presence of two theaters at the same location made crowd control nearly impossible. Despite our best efforts, the crowd broke through the gates and rushed inside. I also fell during the stampede and thought I wouldn’t survive. By God’s grace, I’m here today,” he shared.
Permission Denied for Allu Arjun’s Visit
In a crucial revelation, Nayak stated that permission for Allu Arjun’s visit to Sandhya Theatre had been denied. “The management sought approval, but we declined due to the single entry and exit points, which posed safety concerns if the actor arrived. Whether the management conveyed this to Allu Arjun or not is unknown to us,” Nayak clarified.
The incident has raised questions about crowd management and safety protocols, with authorities continuing their investigation into the tragedy.
READ MORE: CM Revanth Reddy Condemns Attack on Actor Allu Arjun’s Residence