Karur (Tamil Nadu): Police have registered a case against the driver of actor-politician Vijay’s campaign vehicle in connection with an accident that allegedly occurred en route to his September 27 rally in Karur, where a stampede claimed 41 lives and left around 60 injured.
Officials confirmed that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief’s campaign vehicle has also been named in the FIR. The case pertains to an incident where several fans, reportedly riding motorcycles close to Vijay’s campaign bus to catch a glimpse of him, met with an accident allegedly involving the vehicle. A video of the mishap, which has gone viral on social media and was broadcast by multiple TV channels, shows the moment of collision.
The Madras High Court took strong exception to the lack of action against the bus driver despite the video evidence. The court observed that the footage “clearly shows the bus carrying Vijay, the leader of the political party, was involved in an accident.”
“In the footage, it is visibly evident that two motorcycles were involved in the accident, and that the driver of the bus, having seen the incident, fled from the scene,” the High Court stated in its order.
The court further noted that another collision at the rear end of the bus was also captured in a separate video. “This Court expresses its deep anguish and concern over the failure of the authorities to take action. Even in the absence of a formal complaint, it is the duty of the State to register a suo motu FIR and ensure the accused face trial in accordance with law,” the bench remarked.
Police sources from the office of the Karur Superintendent of Police and the Velayuthampalaym police station confirmed to PTI that cases have now been registered in connection with the two accidents involving Vijay’s campaign bus.
