A youngster, Raju, was killed when he fell down accidentally and people trampled upon him on Sunday evening as they tried to gain entry into the D. Rama Naidu Studios at Nanakramguda here, where the audio of Badshah was being released.
The incident occurred at about 7 p.m. when scores of people were standing outside the studios to gain entry. As a large number of passes were issued to guests, a heavy crowd gathered and suddenly tried to enter the grounds. Raju, who hailed from Warangal, fell to the ground and the surging crowds trampled on him. No one else was injured. Considering the star cast, NTR Jr and Kajal Agarwal playing the lead roles, in the big budget film, the film’s managers had issued special passes for entry of guests to the audio release function. Music for the film was scored by S.S. Thaman.
A senior police officer said they had conveyed their fears about the conduct of the function at the venue, considering problems faced on an earlier occasion. However, with organisers insisting that they would have enough of their own volunteers to handle the crowds, permission was ultimately granted.
Madhapur Deputy Commissioner of Police T. Yoganand, said that a case would be booked after investigation. The organisers, however, maintained that Raju had died of breathing problems. Vehicles choked the area since 5.30 p.m. and police had a tough time clearing those carrying VIPs and stars. Among those who were present at the function were ‘Badshah’ producer and director Bandla Ganesh and Srinu Vytla, respectively, NTR Jr and his family, director V.V. Vinayak and producer ‘Dil’ Raju.
In a swift reaction, the TRS MP M. Vijayasanthi critcised the organisers for going ahead with the function without caring about the death of a youngster from Telangana. She said that in protest against the callous attitude of the filmmakers, TRS cadres would ensure that ‘Badshah’ was not screened in the region.
A case has been registered against the organisers by the Raidurg police.
