"BRS, BJP want to take undue advantage of Allu Arjun episode": TPCC chief Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 23 (ANI): Amid the controversy surrounding the Sandhya Theatre incident in Telangana, the state Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief, Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud, on Monday accused the BRS and BJP of trying to exploit the Allu Arjun episode for political gain.
"The BRS and BJP want to take undue advantage of the Allu Arjun episode. This issue is entirely unrelated to the film industry. We have always supported the film industry, and the Congress party has extended numerous facilities to the Telugu film fraternity. However, they are attempting to derive political mileage from this incident. We have no connection with the vandalism at Allu Arjun's residence," the TPCC chief told ANI.
Earlier today, Congress leader Anirudh Reddy criticised actor Allu Arjun for allegedly using public enthusiasm for his personal commercial interests.
"The incident at Sandhya Theatre was unfortunate and occurred due to the presence of actor Allu Arjun. He is an actor conducting business. When the public gathers for him, it translates into more movies and money for him. However, this situation is grave--a mother has died, and her son is fighting for his life. When he (Allu Arjun) was granted bail, many actors visited his house, hugging and smiling, which was inappropriate. Whoever is at fault must face the law, and action must be taken. Let the law take its course," Reddy said.
On December 21, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defended his government over the arrest of cine star Allu Arjun following the Sandhya Theatre incident.
The CM emphasised that "no special privileges" would be extended to anyone and reiterated that safeguarding people's lives remains the state government's priority.
"On December 2, Akbaruddin Owaisi submitted a request to the Chikkadpally police station to arrange security for the cast and crew of Pushpa 2 during the film's release at Sandhya Theatre on December 4. On December 3, the Chikkadpally Circle Inspector responded in writing, rejecting the request. The inspector cited the theatre's location in a crowded area and its single entry and exit point, making crowd management unfeasible. The police advised the theatre management to discourage the actor from visiting the venue. However, despite these warnings, the actor visited the theatre the next day, conducted a roadshow atop his car at RTC X Road, and escalated the situation," the CM explained in the Telangana Assembly.
The tragedy unfolded on December 4 when Allu Arjun attended the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule. A massive crowd had gathered to see him, and the situation worsened when he waved to fans from the sunroof of his car. This led to the death of a woman named Revathi and left her child injured. Following the incident, Allu Arjun was arrested and released on bail after furnishing a Rs 50,000 bond. (ANI)