After almost two weeks of the stampede at Sandhya theatre, Sukumar visited nine-year-old Sri Tej, who suffered critical injuries during the benefit show of the film Pushpa 2. The move came a few days after Allu Arjun was arrested in connection with the death of a fan, who died in the stampede caused by the actor’s surprise visit.
While the accident took place on December 4, the director met the victim on December 19. According to India Today, Sukumar spoke to the child’s family and enquired about his health progress. He reportedly spoke at length with the boy’s father, expressing his grief. The director also offered Rs 5 lakh as financial assistance to the family.
The news was later confirmed by the director’s spokesperson, Suresh, on his official X handle. He wrote in Telugu, “Director Sukumar visited Sri Tej at the hospital. His wife (Tabitha) dibated Rs 5 lakh to Sri Tej’s father.”
The woman who died during the stampede was the boy’s mother. She died due to asphyxiation.
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After the news came to light on December 5, Allu Arjun expressed his grief on his social media handle. He also posted a long video, sharing he is paying a sum of Rs 25 lakh as compensation.
Later, at the film’s success bash as Pushpa 2, Allu Arjun addressed the media and shared that he was completely disturbed after learning the news. He shared, “I couldn’t process the news. It took me over 10 hours to accept it psychologically. Sukumar got too emotional.”
During his speech, Arjun had also assured to meet the woman’s family in a couple of days. He said, “Currently, I am giving them space for their personal loss, however, I will meet them soon. I know no money can compensate the family’s loss, however, the sum of Rs 25 lakh was just a gesture to assure the family that I am standing with them and merely a call away.”
Pushpa 2, released on December 5, has crossed the Rs 1500 crore mark in 15 days of its release globally.
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