Sandhya Theatre stampede: HC reserves order on anticipatory bail of Allu Arjun’s staff

Anticipatory bail petitions filed by Adla Sharath Chandra Naidu and Cheruku Ramesh, manager and personal security guard of 'Pushpa' actor

Hyderabad: Justice K Sujana of the Telangana High Court reserved orders on two anticipatory bail petitions filed by Adla Sharath Chandra Naidu and Cheruku Ramesh, the manager and personal security guard of actor Allu Arjun, in connection with the Sandhya Theatre stampede case.

The case is currently being investigated under FIR No. 376 of 2024 filed at the Chikkadpally police station.

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The case revolves around a tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre, when crowd surged uncontrollably during an event, leading to the death of a woman from suffocation and grievous injuries to her son.

The petitioners, Naidu and Ramesh, had initially sought anticipatory bail from the trial court, but their applications were rejected, prompting them to approach the High Court.

According to the FIR and remand report, dated December 8, 2024, the petitioners, along with other accused persons, allegedly pushed the crowd away from Allu Arjun (accused no. 11).

This action reportedly caused the mob to shift towards the lower balcony, triggering the stampede that resulted in fatalities.

The petitioners, however, contend that the allegations against them are vague and fail to meet the legal criteria for charges under Sections 105, 118(1), read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Naya Sanhitha, 2023.

The petitioners argue that the FIR and remand report do not specify any unlawful actions that would substantiate the offences against them.

They maintain that they did not commit any illegal acts and that the charges against them were unfounded. Furthermore, they expressed concerns about unwarranted detention or arrest, which they argue would be unjustified.

Their legal counsel also invoked Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagirik Suraksha Sanhitha, 2023, stressing the need for the court to balance a fair investigation with preventing unnecessary harassment or unjustified detention.

After hearing detailed arguments from both sides and reviewing the materials presented, Justice Sujana reserved her orders on the anticipatory bail pleas.

 

Relief for BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy  

Justice K Lakshman of the Telangana High Court on Monday granted relief to BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy by dispensing with his appearance before the Special Judicial First Class Magistrate for the Excise Court at Nampally, Hyderabad.

The case in question pertains to the alleged suicidal threats made by Reddy during his election campaign in Huzurabad.

The court also issued notices to the State government and the de facto complainant, Gunde Babu, the MCC Nodal Officer of Kamalapur in Hanukakonda district, directing them to submit their responses to the petition filed by Reddy.

Reddy had approached the High Court seeking to quash and stay all further proceedings in the criminal case registered against him at the Kamalapur police station.

The charges stem from a controversial statement made by the MLA during a roadshow in the runup to the Assembly elections. Reddy reportedly told voters that if they failed to support his candidacy and if he did not win, they would be forced to attend his funeral procession, suggesting a threat of suicide.

The petitioners, through their counsel, argued that the case was based on a misunderstanding and sought to have the criminal proceedings dismissed.

The court, after hearing the arguments, adjourned the matter for further hearing on January 22.