Condition of Eight-Year-Old Boy Injured in Hyderabad Theatre Stampede Shows Signs of Improvement

Hyderabad, Dec 24 (NationPress) The health condition of eight-year-old Sri Tej, who suffered severe injuries in the Sandhya Theatre stampede during the premiere of ‘Pushpa 2’, is showing improvement, as reported by his father Bhaskar on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at KIMS Hospital, where the boy is receiving treatment, he mentioned that after a span of 20 days, they observed some body movements.

“He has also opened his eyes, but he does not recognize any of us,” he stated.

Bhaskar shared that the medical team indicated that if family members stay close and call out to him, he might start to recognize them. “We have been trying since Monday, but he hasn’t recognized us yet,” Bhaskar added.

According to the doctors, Sri Tej's vital signs remain stable on their own, without the need for oxygen or ventilatory assistance.

“His sensorium is consistent, exhibiting spontaneous eye openings and limb movements, but there is still an absence of meaningful eye contact or recognition of family members. He reacts to verbal prompts but does not follow any commands. He is experiencing intermittent dystonic movements and stiffness in his limbs, for which he is being treated with medication,” the hospital's health bulletin mentioned.

“He requires occasional suctioning of the tracheostomy tube. He is managing feeds through a nasogastric tube effectively and has been afebrile for the last three days,” it further noted.

Regrettably, Revathi lost her life while her son, Sri Tej, sustained critical injuries during the stampede at Sandhya Theatre on December 4 while attending the premiere of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’.

Actor Allu Arjun was taken into custody in connection with the incident on December 13 and was granted interim bail the following day.

The Chikkadpally Police have initiated a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and interrogated Allu Arjun on Tuesday.

The actor has pledged to provide ₹25 lakh assistance to the family, and Bhaskar mentioned that he received a demand draft of ₹10 lakh from Allu Arjun. The actor’s manager is also in regular communication with the family to keep updated on the boy's condition.

The family is receiving support from both the Telangana government and Allu Arjun.

Bhaskar noted that Minister for Roads & Buildings and Cinematography, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, provided them with a cheque for ₹25 lakh. The film’s producers, Mythri Movies, have also contributed ₹50 lakh to the family.

Director Sukumar has visited the hospital twice to check on the family and inquire about the boy’s condition.

Bhaskar also expressed his willingness to withdraw the police case, feeling remorseful that Allu Arjun was arrested due to the incident. He clarified that there was no pressure on him to make this statement.

Furthermore, he indicated that he remains unclear about the events that transpired inside the theatre on the night of December 4, having only seen media reports regarding the incident.