Is Sritej Getting the Help He Needs After the ‘Pushpa 2’ Stampede?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sritej was moved to a neurorehabilitation centre after a long hospitalization.
- His father, Bhaskar, hopes for improvements in Sritej's condition in the coming weeks.
- Support from the film community has been significant, with financial aid provided.
- Safety measures at public events are now under scrutiny.
- The journey of recovery for Sritej continues amidst challenges.
Hyderabad, April 29 (NationPress) Almost five months after tragically losing his mother and sustaining severe injuries in a stampede during the premiere of ‘Pushpa 2’ in Hyderabad, nine-year-old Sritej has been transferred from KIMS Hospital to a specialized neurorehabilitation centre.
“Sritej is now being discharged to the Neurorehabilitation Centre for ongoing neurorehabilitation services. He is able to consume oral feeds and does not require any oxygen or respiratory assistance,” a brief update from KIMS Hospital revealed, where he had received treatment for four months and 25 days.
Sritej’s father, Bhaskar, shared with the media that the medical team recommended the transition to the rehabilitation centre, expressing hope that they would return home in about 15 days.
Bhaskar noted that his son still struggles to recognize family members. “Sritej is opening his eyes, but he is not able to recognize anyone. His brain has not fully recovered,” he stated.
About 15 days ago, the boy was moved from the Intensive Care Unit to a regular room. Doctors have assured the family that his condition is stable, but they must remain vigilant against infections.
Bhaskar expressed gratitude for the support received from the team behind ‘Pushpa 2’ and the state government, mentioning that KIMS management has not requested any payment from him.
Last month, doctors indicated that neurologically, Sritej had not shown further improvement in his cognitive functions and was unable to recognize family members or follow simple verbal instructions.
Revathi, 39, lost her life and her son Sritej was seriously injured during the stampede at Sandhya Theatre on December 4, 2024, during the premiere of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’.
Actor Allu Arjun, who was present at the event, faced legal action alongside his team and the theatre management for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
He was arrested on December 13 but was released on interim bail the following day.
On December 25, Allu Arjun, along with the producer and director of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, pledged Rs 2 crore to assist Revathi's family.
Allu Arjun contributed Rs 1 crore, while Mythri Movies, the film's production company, provided Rs 50 lakh. Film director Sukumar also donated Rs 50 lakh to the family.
Additionally, the actor visited the hospital on January 7 to see Sritej and meet with his family.