NEW DELHI, Dec 13, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - An Indian actor was arrested Friday after
his appearance at a movie screening allegedly prompted a stampede by fans
that crushed a woman to death, police and local media said.

Huge crowds had gathered at a theatre in the southern city of Hyderabad this
month to catch a glimpse of actor Allu Arjun as he arrived for the screening
of his film "Pushpa 2: The Rule".

The 42-year-old actor was arrested on suspicion of three offences, including
voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means, a police officer told
AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to
speak to media.

The officer added that seven other people had already been arrested in the
case.

A video on social media platform X, shared by broadcaster TV9, showed the
actor holding a coffee mug as he spoke to officers who arrived at his
residence to take him into custody.

The victim of the December 4 stampede was a woman in her 30s attending the
screening with her son, who was also seriously injured.

The woman's family later filed a complaint against Arjun, his security team
and the theatre management, media outlet India Today reported.

Arjun said he was "deeply heartbroken" two days after the accident.

"While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extend
every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging
journey," he wrote on X.

Arjun is hugely popular in southern India, and the Pushpa film franchise has
made millions at the box office.

He won best actor at India's National Film Awards for his title role in the
first instalment of the series, released two years ago.