Baadshah audio launch: Junior NTR fan dies in stampede

Hyderabad: What was supposed to be a gala evening turned sorrowful when a fan lost his life in a stampede at the audio launch of Junior NTR starrer Telugu action-drama Baadshah here Sunday. As thousands of fans flocked to the venue to get a glimpse of Junior NTR, one of the fans named Rajendra Prasad aka Raju suffocated to death in stampede. A few others who were injured in the stampede were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Addressing the music release function of Baadshah, Junior NTR said, "I am saddened to know that I lost one of my brothers today. I may be the only son to my parents, but all my fans are equivalent to my brothers and sisters. This was supposed to be an evening to enjoy but unfortunately it has turned sad."

The makers of Baadshah had made seating arrangement for 12,000 to 15,000 people, but more than 25,000 people turned up to see their favourite star at the event. Junior NTR added, "I give my word amidst all of you that I will stand by the family that has lost a member this evening. I request everybody to be cautious and request not to indulge in such madness again."

Producer Bandla Ganesh said he will donate Rs 5 lakh to Raju's family. Baadshah is directed by Srinu Vaitla. It features Kajal Agarwal, Navdeep, Prakash Raj, Ritu Varma, Ajay, Brahmanandam, Vennela Kishore and Chandra Mohan S Thaman has composed the music of the film, which is releasing April 5 worldwide.

Baadshah Audio Launch

Addressing the audio event of Baadshah, Junior NTR moved to tears.

Baadshah Audio Launch

Jr NTR announced that he would stand by Raju's family.

Baadshah Audio Launch

Meanwhile, director Srinu Vaitla and producer Ganesh Babu also assured to Raju's family.

Baadshah Audio Launch

Junior NTR fans from different parts of the state had poured into the venue of Baadshah audio launch in huge numbers, which was exceeding the estimate of the organisers.

Baadshah Audio Launch

The police were not equipped to handle the rush of Junior NTR fans and viewers. People pushed each other in the extremely long queue.

Baadshah Audio Launch

Raju had come from Warangal to witness the audio launch, which was held at the Ramanaidu Studios in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad.

Baadshah Audio Launch

When other fans started pushing each other, Raju apparently fell on the muddy ground. He couldn't get up, and was crushed under the feet of the huge crowd.

Baadshah Audio Launch

Raju was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, but breathed his last later in the hospital.