Hyderabad Police Commissioner apologises after controversial remarks on National Media
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand issued an apology to the National Media on Monday, December 23, 2024, following a video that went viral in which he made controversial comments regarding the Sandhya Theatre stampede incident.
The video showed C.V. Anand speaking to reporters, stating, “And still you are supporting, and I know National Media, how it appeared, and all bought over, totally bought over and no shame. That’s how understanding your behaviour.” He then left the scene while reporters continued to ask questions.
The video was accompanied by a caption that read, “Very insensitive and immature comments made by #Hyderabad City Police Commissioner Mr. CV Anand on National Media reporting on #SandhyaTheatre incident & #AlluArjun arrest. Does CP have any proof of #AlluArjun buying National Media? Is this appropriate @revanth_anumula ji?”
Very insensitive and immature comments made by #Hyderabad City Police Commissioner Mr. CV Anand on National Media reporting on #SandhyaTheatre incident & #AlluArjun arrest.
Does CP have any proof of #AlluArjun buying National Media? Is this appropriate @revanth_anumula ji? pic.twitter.com/Mhie9pTE6E— Sowmith Yakkati (@YakkatiSowmith) December 22, 2024
Responding to the backlash, C.V. Anand addressed the issue, saying, “I apologize for losing my cool when asked continuous provoking questions on ongoing investigations and making unnecessary general remarks about national media. I feel bad that I got provoked, and it was wrong. I should have kept calm. I withdraw my remarks wholeheartedly.”
I apologise for losing my cool when asked continuous provoking questions on ongoing investigations and making unnecessary general remarks about national media . I feel bad that I got provoked and it was wrong and should have kept calm .I withdraw my remarks wholeheartedly 🙏🏻
— CV Anand IPS (@CVAnandIPS) December 22, 2024
Netizens expressed their appreciation for the Commissioner’s apology. One user, Naresh (@TopDriverIndia), remarked, “It takes a lot for someone to accept a fault and apologize. You are really of a different class.” Another user, Team Road Squad (@Team_Road_Squad), praised Anand’s conduct, stating, “Absolute gentleman! We must understand how @CVAnandIPS worked yesterday. He has guided transgenders in traffic volunteering, briefed media on drug cases, and handled media on the popular case of a film actor, plus the entire annual report. As a commissioner, he undergoes pressure from the media, politicians, and the general public. We must protect such officers. @hydcitypolice @HYDTP.”
It takes a lot for someone to accept a fault and apologise. You are really of a different class 🫡
— Naresh (@TopDriverIndia) December 23, 2024
Earlier, on December 22, 2024, Commissioner Anand had warned bouncers about their increasing disregard for public safety and law enforcement. He vowed to take strong legal action against such behavior, especially following the Sandhya Theatre incident.
Absolute gentleman!
We must understand how @CVAnandIPS worked entire yesterday.
He has guided transgenders in traffic volunteering, he was briefing media on drugs cases, he had to brief entire media on popular case of film actor and entire annual report.
As a commissioner one… https://t.co/2qUxiEAn69
— Team Road Squad🚦🚴♀️ (@Team_Road_Squad) December 23, 2024
Speaking on the issue, Anand stated, “The issue with bouncers is getting worse day by day. Recently, during the Sandhya Theatre incident, we saw 40-50 bouncers who didn’t care about the public or police—they were only concerned with opening gates for VIPs. We’re warning all bouncers that if they continue to disrespect police officers, we will take strong legal action. If any bouncers act inappropriately, the responsibility will fall on the VIPs.”
Hyderabad Police have since prepared a 10-minute video compilation as key evidence in the ongoing investigation into the Sandhya Theatre tragedy, where a woman lost her life during a film premiere. The footage was shown during the annual police meeting, offering a detailed timeline of the tragic December 4 incident.
The video evidence highlights bouncers pushing police personnel to make way for actor Allu Arjun, who arrived for the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule. The overcrowding in the lower balcony led to a stampede, causing suffocation that resulted in the death of a spectator, Revathi. Her son, who was also present, is currently receiving treatment in a private hospital.
Commissioner Anand confirmed that the police investigation team analyzed thousands of CCTV recordings, video footage, and mobile videos to reconstruct the sequence of events at RTC Cross Roads’ Sandhya Theatre. However, he refrained from sharing further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
