Chennai: A massive tragedy struck actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur district, where a stampede claimed 41 lives and left more than 60 injured. According to the FIR, the incident occurred on September 27 at Velusamypuram after Vijay remained inside his campaign vehicle for an extended time, causing overcrowding and restlessness among the attendees.
Police have registered a case against three senior TVK functionaries—Karur North district secretary Mathiazhagan, state general secretary Bussy Anand, and deputy general secretary Nirmal Kumar—on charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, attempt to commit culpable homicide, and endangering lives under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act. No case has been filed against Vijay himself.
The FIR noted that many attendees climbed steel sheds and trees to catch a glimpse of Vijay. When these structures collapsed, people fell on the crowd below, triggering chaos. The narrow venue could not accommodate the swelling numbers, leading to trampling, suffocation, and crush injuries. Police resorted to lathi-charge to control the situation while victims were rushed to the Karur government hospital.
The toll rose to 41 after a 60-year-old woman succumbed to injuries on Monday. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited the victims and announced a solatium of ₹10 lakh for each bereaved family, assuring action after the inquiry’s findings.
The state government has appointed a one-member commission led by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident. Justice Jagadeesan visited the hospital and interacted with survivors, stating that a detailed report would be submitted to the government.
Vijay, who initially planned to meet the victims, was advised against visiting the hospital due to concerns of further crowding. Police presence at the facility has since been increased.
Meanwhile, expelled AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala demanded a central agency probe, alleging the truth would emerge only through an impartial investigation. Former Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan also questioned the credibility of the one-person commission, alleging police intelligence failure and lack of accountability, noting that no senior officials had faced suspension over the tragedy.
The incident has cast a shadow over Vijay’s political campaign, with questions raised over crowd management and safety measures at the rally.
