TVK chief actor Vijay addressing the crowd on Saturday. - Photo: IANS
TAMIL NADU (India): The Karur Town police have registered a case against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) Karur West district secretary VP Mathiyazhagan in connection with the stampede at party president and actor Vijay’s rally in Velysamupuram that left 39 people dead and 83 others injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday (Sept 27). Police said the case was filed under four sections of the Indian Penal Code for alleged violation of safety norms and failure to ensure proper crowd control during the campaign meeting.
According to officials, at least 39 people, including women and children, died after being trampled or suffocated, while many others were rushed to nearby hospitals, several in critical condition.
Officials clarified that so far, Mathiyazhagan alone has been named in the First Information Report, but investigators are examining whether lapses by others contributed to the tragedy.
“The investigation is continuing, and further culpability will be fixed after a detailed inquiry,” a senior officer said.
TVK chief actor Vijay. - Photo: IANS
The massive public meeting, part of Vijay’s statewide political tour for his TVK party, drew thousands who had waited since morning under the hot sun with inadequate food and drinking water.
The crowd swelled further after the party’s official social media handles said Vijay would arrive at noon, although the actor-politician reached the venue only at 7.40pm.
Many fainted in the congestion; panic spread, and a deadly crush followed. Ambulances rushed the injured to Karur Medical College Hospital and private facilities nearby.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a stampede during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” PM Modi said in a post on handle X.
Sharing his anguish on Saturday on X, Vijay said, “My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital.”
Tamil Nadu Director General of Police G. Venkataraman called the incident “deeply regrettable”.
“Our intention is not to blame anyone, but to present facts and ensure this never happens again,” he said, adding that the police are reviewing event permission procedures.
Chief Minister MK Stalin, who flew to Karur late Saturday night, met survivors and bereaved families. He announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs one lakh each to those critically injured.
CM Stalin also ordered a judicial inquiry headed by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan.
“Such a tragedy should never recur. Those responsible will face action,” he said.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thol. Thirumavalavan demanded that compensation for victims’ families be enhanced to Rs 50 lakh, calling the disaster “an unimaginable human tragedy that warrants both accountability and greater relief.”
The Tamil Nadu government has deployed senior ministers and officials to oversee medical treatment and relief measures while the probe progresses.
The local authorities have likely initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the cause and identify those responsible. The incident highlights the need for effective crowd management and safety measures at public gatherings. - The Statesman/ANN
