Forty eight hours after a tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur claimed 41 lives, police have arrested Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan, holding him accountable for lapses that contributed to the disaster.
He was booked under sections covering attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering public safety. Cases have also been registered against TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Sekar.
According to the FIR, filed based on a police officer’s complaint, Vijay was named for allegedly delaying his appearance at the rally by nearly four hours to showcase political strength, which reportedly triggered restlessness and surges in the massive crowd. The FIR also mentions that Vijay conducted a roadshow without official permission, violating conditions set by authorities and creating “unnecessary expectations” among party cadres. Other senior TVK leaders are accused of ignoring repeated warnings.
The stampede occurred when over 25,000 people more than double the expected 10,000 gathered at the venue. Many attendees, waiting for hours in the scorching sun without adequate food or water, grew weak. As the crowd pushed forward, barricades were broken, and some climbed on tin sheds and trees that collapsed, causing panic and chaos. Of the 41 victims, hospital records confirm that at least 18 were women and 10 were children.
The FIR also noted traffic disruptions and public hardship, highlighting that TVK held a reception for Vijay in violation of official conditions.
Meanwhile, TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna petitioned the Madras High Court for a CBI probe into the stampede and sought to prevent the state government from restricting Vijay from visiting victims’ families. The party has alleged a political conspiracy by the ruling DMK, which the government has denied. Questions have also arisen regarding police preparedness, including insufficient crowd control and underestimated turnout.
Vijay expressed his grief, saying he was “shattered and in inexplicable pain” over the tragedy. He announced compensation of ₹20 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured, while praying for the speedy recovery of survivors.
(Tamil Craze)
