Allu Arjun didn't leave theatre despite being told about woman's death: Hyderabad police
Hyderabad, Dec 22: Top Telugu actor Allu Arjun did not leave the theatre during the screening of 'Pushpa-2' on December 4 despite being told to do so in view of a stampede in which a woman died, police officials claimed on on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference on the annual round-up of 2024, city police commissioner C V Anand showed a video, made by police, on the situation that prevailed when the stampede occurred.
The video was made by collating footage, including from news channels and cell phone clips. It suggests the actor remained in the theatre till the midnight.
Anand did not make any comment on the video, but said the media can draw its own conclusions.
A police official talked about the sequence of events on the fateful night of December 4.
He said that he and other police officials informed a manager of Allu Arjun about the death of the woman and told him that the situation was out of control. He indicated that they were not allowed to meet the actor.
Allu Arjun's staff members told them that they would convey the matter to the actor but did not do so, he said.
The official said he later managed to reach the actor, told him about the woman's death and asked him to leave the theatre so that the fans don't harm each other while trying to catch a glimpse of him.
The official also told the actor that security arrangements would be made for his exit.
However, the actor said he would go only after watching the film, the police official said.
Later, accompanied by a senior officer, the official went inside and brought the actor out, he said.
Amid allegations that bouncers hired by Allu Arjun pushed crowds as well as policemen when the stampede occurred at the cinema hall, the police commissioner warned that stringent action as per law would be taken if THE bouncers indeed misbehaved with the police on duty.
The VIPs would be made responsible for the behaviour of the bouncers hired by them, he said.
Asked if the police would appeal against the interim bail granted to Allu Arjun, the commissioner refused to give a direct response, just saying it is part of the investigation.
What course of action is taken would be known in the days to come, he said.
He also declined to comment when asked if the family of the deceased told him about Allu Arjun's team or film production team allegedly threatening them not to speak on the issue.
Meanwhile, state Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy found fault with Allu Arjun responding on Saturday to the debate in the Legislative Assembly.
The minister, who observed that the actor should have respect for the government and the chief minister, demanded an apology from Allu Arjun to the government and the CM.
"This government is never vindictive. As Cinematography Minister, we allowed benefit shows and hiking ticket prices to promote the film industry," he said.
However, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar found fault with CM Revanth Reddy for his comments on Allu Arjun in the Assembly on Saturday.
The comments of the CM sounded like character assassination of Allu Arjun and hurting the Telugu film industry, he alleged in a statement.
Later in the day, Sanjay Kumar visited a boy who is undergoing treatment in a hospital after being injured in the stampede.
"Consoled his father over the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Revathi. I pray to god that Sritej recovers at the earliest. Assured support to the family in this difficult time," Kumar said on X.
Earlier in the day, state DGP Jitender told reporters in Karimnagar district that film personalities and all others should understand that safety and security of citizens is utmost important, and also conduct themselves accordingly.
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Union Min. HDK announces Rs15,000 cr revival plan for Bhadravati Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Factory
Mandya (Karnataka) Dec 22: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, announced on Sunday plans to revive the Sir M Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Factory in Bhadravati with an estimated investment of Rs 15,000 crore.
Speaking at the 87th All India Kannada Literary Conference in Mandya, the Minister stated that this decision aligns with the Modi government's efforts to address unemployment and focus on industrial growth in Karnataka.
The Minister highlighted the historical significance of the Bhadravati factory, established under Mysuru Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya. Once a source of employment for thousands and a livelihood for lakhs, Kumaraswamy expressed confidence that the glorious days of the steel factory would soon return. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entrusted me with the critical responsibilities of the Heavy Industries and Steel portfolios. I am working diligently to ensure these responsibilities benefit Karnataka," said Kumaraswamy.
Responding to MLA Dinesh Gooligowda's request to establish an IIT near KRS in Mandya, the Minister assured that the proposal would be examined thoroughly. "I will discuss this matter with the relevant Union Ministers. Karnataka already has one IIT, and I strongly believe we need another. Let us all work together to bring another IIT to our state, and I seek everyone's support for this," he added.
The Minister emphasised his deep connection with Mandya, calling it a land of Kannadigas, and expressed his happiness in participating in the conference. "I am here not just as a Union Minister but as a proud Kannadiga," he said.
Kumaraswamy addressed the concerns raised by the conference's president, Go Ru Channabasappa, about promoting Kannada and implementing bilingual education policies over trilingual ones. He acknowledged the challenges faced by rural parents in balancing the preservation of Kannada with their children's future aspirations in a competitive global environment. "This is a complex issue, and we must collectively find solutions to address the anxieties of parents," he said.
The Minister also expressed his concern over the declining interest in Kannada-medium education due to societal pressures and the competitive mindset of rural parents. Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, he said, "When I served as Chief Minister, I initiated the establishment of 1,000 public schools to equip rural children to compete with their urban counterparts while emphasising Kannada in education."
Sharing his passion for literature, Kumaraswamy said, "I was deeply moved after reading the epic novel 'Durgastamana' by Ta Ra Subba Rao. "It's a masterpiece that vividly narrates the end of Madakari Nayaka, evoking emotions that can move even the most unyielding souls."
He also expressed admiration for the works of Vyasaray Ballal, including novels like 'Channabhairadevi' by Gajanana Sharma, 'Swapna Saraswata' by Gopalakrishna Pai, and 'Swatantryada Ota' by Bolwar Mohammed Kunhi, which have inspired him deeply.
Reflecting on the evolution of Kannada cinema, Kumaraswamy said, "As someone from the Kannada film industry, I have noticed a stark difference between the stories of the past and the present. It saddens me to see some films failing to address societal concerns. We need more films with good values, meaningful stories, and a positive impact on society."
He reminisced about legendary songs like Dr Rajkumar's 'Haalina Holeyo... Jenina Maleyo', which has left a lasting impression on him. He called for films that preserve the essence of relationships, foster peace, and revive the cultural harmony of rural Karnataka. "We need to bring back the days when communities dined together and celebrated unity," he said.
Wishing a long life to conference president Go Ru Channabasappa, Kumaraswamy said, "May he live beyond 100 years, as foretold by astrologers. He is like a father figure to me, and his life continues to inspire us all. Let us hope his wisdom and guidance remain with us for many more years."
The Minister concluded his address with a heartfelt appeal to preserve the Kannada language, culture, and unity, reiterating his commitment to Karnataka's development and welfare.
