Pandemonium broke out in Bengaluru on Sunday, March 8, 2026, as a massive wave of fans converged at KIMS Hospital to catch a glimpse of Tollywood superstar Jr NTR. The actor was in the city for the hospital’s grand inauguration, but the sheer volume of admirers quickly overwhelmed security arrangements, leading to property damage and a police crackdown.
Escalator Collapses Under Crowd Pressure
As news of the Man of Masses spread, hundreds of fans breached security cordons to enter the hospital complex. In a frantic bid to reach the upper floors where the actor was scheduled to appear, the crowd surged onto a functional escalator. The structural overload caused the machinery to fail and suffer significant damage, leading to a temporary stampede-like situation.
Police Resort to Lathi Charge
With the situation spiralling out of control and the hospital’s clinical operations at risk of disruption, Bengaluru police were forced to intervene.
- Crowd Control: Officers initially used barricades, but as the pushing intensified, they resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the fans and clear the damaged escalator area.
- Security Corridor: A heavy police flank eventually formed a human shield to escort Jr NTR safely into the building.
Despite the ruckus, the NTR 31 star remained calm, waving to the crowds and acknowledging his supporters from a distance before proceeding with the official ceremony. Hospital authorities have confirmed that while the escalator sustained heavy damage, no major injuries were reported among the staff or visitors.