The Hyderabad police on Tuesday issued a show cause notice to the management of Sandhya Theatres, located at the busy RTC Cross Roads, questioning why the cinematography license issued to the theatre should not be revoked for its lapses that led to the tragic stampede on the night of December 4 during the premiere of Pushpa-2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun.
The notice was addressed to Renuka Devi of Sandhya 70 mm Theatre, with a copy also pasted on the theatre premises.
In the two-page notice, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police C.V. Anand highlighted several alleged lapses by the management, which contributed to the chaos.
The commissioner pointed out the absence of women security personnel, inadequate frisking arrangements, and overall improper security protocols.
The management also allowed fans to gather in large numbers and erect unauthorized flex banners outside the theatre, which encouraged overcrowding.
The commissioner further noted that the management and actor’s team failed to provide prior intimation to the police about Allu Arjun’s visit to the theatre.
Infrastructure issues were also flagged, as the lower balcony entry grill gate was not manned properly, resulting in damage due to overcrowding.
In addition, there were no clear signboards displaying entry and exit points to guide the public.
The management permitted the installation of lighting and trusses inside the premises without adequate arrangements, which further drew larger crowds.
Moreover, Allu Arjun’s private security team was allowed inside the theatre, disrupting public movement by blocking pathways between seats. This added to the chaos and inconvenience for attendees.
The notice highlighted that only one Door Frame Metal Detector (DFMD) was placed at the entry point, and there was no separate frisking area for women.
Additionally, the theatre management failed to implement a proper ticket-checking system, which allowed unauthorized entries, leading to overcrowding and suffocation inside the premises.
Parking arrangements were also inadequate, and the management did not provide sufficient security at the main gates to manage the crowds, which eventually resulted in the unfortunate incident.
The police have asked the theatre management to respond to the notice within 10 days of receiving it.
Commissioner Anand emphasized that such negligence is unacceptable, especially when public safety is at stake.
This notice follows the stampede, which claimed the life of a woman and critically injured her son, raising concerns about safety protocols during high-profile events and movie premieres.