MLC Venkat Balmoor demands accountability and empathy from Allu Arjun following the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre.
December 22, 2024: Telugu superstar Allu Arjun continues to face criticism for his alleged role in the tragic stampede at the Sandhya Theatre during the Pushpa 2: The Rule premiere. After Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi addressed the incident in the assembly, Congress MLC Venkat Balmoor joined the discourse, demanding accountability from the actor.
In a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Venkat Balmoor expressed disappointment over Allu Arjun’s recent press conference, accusing the actor of lacking empathy for the victims and their families.
MLC Venkat Balmoor’s Statements
Venkat said he had hoped Arjun’s press meet was held out of repentance but was left disillusioned. “Despite knowing about what happened at the Sandhya Theatre, there’s video footage showing you clapping along to the film and leaving the theatre with a rally. Even the next day, after being informed of the deaths, you were seen bursting firecrackers at your home,” Venkat claimed.
Also Read: Sandhya Theatre Incident: Allu Arjun’s Father Visits Hospital To Meet Injured Boy
He also criticised Arjun’s remarks about bringing pride to the Telugu people, saying, “Pride cannot come at the cost of a life. You need to show empathy and support the victim’s family. I demand self-reflection and urge you to take back your statements.”
Also Read: Allu Arjun’s Bail Under Threat: Police May Move Supreme Court To Cancel Bail
Assembly Allegations
MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi alleged in the assembly that Arjun was informed of the stampede while still at the theatre. “The police told him about the deaths, but he allegedly smiled and remarked that now the film would be a hit,” Akbaruddin claimed.
CM Revanth Reddy also condemned the actor for not visiting the victim’s family and accused him of holding an unauthorized roadshow. “The police had to force him to leave the theatre after he refused, even when informed of the deaths,” Revanth stated.
Allu Arjun’s Response
Addressing these allegations in an emotional press meet on Saturday, Allu Arjun denied all charges. “This is one of the lowest points in my life. I have a child the same age as the young boy in critical condition. Am I not a father? Don’t I understand the pain of losing a child?” he said.
What Happened at Sandhya Theatre
On December 4, Allu Arjun visited Sandhya Theatre with co-star Rashmika Mandanna to promote Pushpa 2: The Rule. His visit caused a stampede-like situation as fans rushed to see him, leading to the tragic death of a woman and critical injuries to her young son. The actor was arrested on December 13 and released on interim bail the following day.
The incident continues to stir debates about celebrity accountability, crowd management at public events, and the responsibilities of public figures toward their fans.
Tags: Allu Arjun, Pushpa 2 controversy, Sandhya Theatre stampede, celebrity accountability, fan deaths, Venkat Balmoor, Revanth Reddy, Akbaruddin Owaisi, Telugu cinema, Rashmika Mandanna.
