Boy injured in ‘Pushpa 2’ stampede on ventilator, suffers severe brain damage

A nine-year-old boy, Sri Tej, is in critical condition following a tragic stampede at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule on December 4. The incident occurred as a large crowd gathered for the special screening of the film, resulting in the tragic death of his mother, Revathi, and leaving Sri Tej severely injured. Sri Tej sustained significant brain damage due to a lack of oxygen during the stampede and remains on ventilator support at KIMS Cuddles Hospital in Secunderabad.

Doctors at KIMS Cuddles Hospital report that while Sri Tej’s vital signs are stable and his fever has reduced, his neurological condition has not shown any improvement. The boy is receiving mechanical ventilation with minimal oxygen and pressure support. The medical team is evaluating the option of a tracheostomy procedure to assist with his breathing and to help him gradually come off the ventilator. The hospital has stated that Sri Tej is tolerating feeds well, but his neurological status remains static, and the recovery process is expected to be prolonged and uncertain.

The Telangana government has assured that all necessary medical support will be provided to Sri Tej during his recovery. Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu visited the hospital to check on his condition, and authorities confirmed that the government will continue offering the required assistance. The child’s family has also been given support through medical and welfare channels to ensure the best possible care during this critical time.

The stampede occurred at Sandhya 70MM Theatre in Hyderabad during the screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule, where a large crowd gathered for the premiere. As people rushed to enter the theatre, the situation escalated, resulting in a stampede that caused the fatal injury of Sri Tej’s mother, Revathi, and left him critically wounded. The police have begun an investigation into the incident, with initial reports pointing to poor crowd control measures at the theatre as a contributing factor.

In response to the stampede, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand issued a show-cause notice to Sandhya 70MM Theatre, citing failures in crowd management. The notice has called on the theatre’s management, led by licensee Renuka Devi, to explain why its license should not be canceled for gross negligence. The police have highlighted the theatre’s inability to ensure a safe environment during the premiere, which led to the tragic incident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are focused on determining the full extent of the lapses that resulted in the loss of life and serious injury.