Hyderabad: The arrest of National Award-winning actor Allu Arjun, in connection with a stampede at Sandhya Theatre that resulted in the death of one person, has sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders, including Union Ministers.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, voiced his concerns on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He criticized the arrest, calling it evidence of government irresponsibility. Reddy argued that the arrest seemed intentional and pointed out that ensuring security at events is the responsibility of the police.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar also condemned the manner of Allu Arjun’s arrest. He expressed outrage over the actor being taken into custody directly from his bedroom without being given time to change. On X, he stated, “Arresting a National Award-winning actor in this disgraceful manner reflects mismanagement and disrespect. The real issue lies in the Congress government’s failure to arrange proper security for such a high-profile event.”
Adding to the criticism, BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) called the arrest an act of insecurity by those in power. He expressed sympathy for the victims of the stampede but emphasized that treating Allu Arjun like a common criminal was unnecessary. KTR stated, “He isn’t directly responsible for the incident. There should always be respect and dignified conduct, especially in such situations.”
Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao also condemned the arrest and questioned the accountability of the Congress government. He asked who granted permission for the benefit show and why proper precautions were not taken. Harish Rao argued that the Congress rulers were to blame for the mishap.
YSRCP Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy joined the chorus of disapproval. He questioned the fairness of holding Allu Arjun responsible for the stampede. “I strongly condemn this arrest. There is no evidence of his involvement in the incident, yet criminal charges have been filed against him, which is unacceptable,” he said.
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from multiple political leaders, who have united in questioning the Congress government’s handling of the situation.
