New Delhi Police Crack Down on Misinformation Following Sandhya Theatre Stampede
New Delhi – In the wake of the tragic stampede at Sandhya Theatre on December 4, which resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman and critical injuries to her eight-year-old son, the New Delhi police have issued a stern warning against the spread of false information and misleading videos concerning the incident. The police department took to social media platform X to address the issue, stating that certain individuals have been sharing videos falsely claiming the stampede occurred before the arrival of actor Allu Arjun, who was present for a screening of his film "Pushpa 2." Authorities emphasized that they have already released an official video detailing the facts ascertained during their investigation and warned that legal action will be taken against anyone found deliberately spreading misinformation while the investigation is ongoing.
The police have underscored their commitment to pursuing anyone engaging in propaganda that could tarnish the department’s reputation or hinder the investigation. They have urged the public to refrain from believing rumors and unverified information circulating online or through other channels. Instead, they have encouraged citizens who possess genuine evidence or additional information pertaining to the stampede to come forward and cooperate with the authorities. This call for public assistance is crucial in ensuring a thorough and accurate investigation into the tragic event.
The stampede, which occurred during the screening of Allu Arjun’s highly anticipated movie "Pushpa 2," has sent shockwaves through the city and the film industry. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement, leading to the filing of a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management. The charges include various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), reflecting the gravity of the situation and the potential legal ramifications for those involved.
Allu Arjun, named as accused number 11 in the case, was arrested on December 13 following a complaint lodged by the family of the deceased woman. The actor’s arrest underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident and their commitment to holding those responsible accountable. Despite the arrest, Allu Arjun was granted four-week interim bail by the Telangana High Court on the same day and was subsequently released the following morning. As part of the ongoing investigation, the actor was questioned by city police for over three hours.
The focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation, which will aim to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the stampede and identify any lapses in security or crowd management. The police have reiterated their commitment to a transparent and thorough investigation, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions. The legal proceedings against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management will be closely monitored as the case unfolds.
The tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre serves as a stark reminder of the crucial importance of effective crowd management and security measures at public events. Furthermore, the spread of misinformation surrounding the incident highlights the need for responsible social media usage and the importance of verifying information before sharing it. The New Delhi police are taking a proactive approach to combat misinformation and ensure that the investigation proceeds unimpeded. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will undoubtedly have significant implications for event safety and accountability in the future.