Massive Crowd Crush at TVK Rally
A tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has left 41 people dead and over 100 injured, including three in critical condition. The victims’ bodies were handed over to families after post-mortem examinations, while the injured are receiving treatment at Karur Government Hospital.
The incident has sparked a blame game among political leaders, police, and the ruling party over responsibility for the disaster.
Police Report and Delayed Arrival
Authorities ruled out any intelligence failure, stating that Vijay arrived three hours late to the rally after his Namakkal appearance. People had waited almost an entire day to see the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader.
The First Information Report (FIR) filed at Karur police station names TVK officials Madhiazhagan, Bussy Anand, and CTR Nirmal Kumar under sections for culpable homicide, attempted culpable homicide, and endangering lives.
According to Additional Director General of Police Davidson Devasirvatham, the crowd became restless as Vijay did not immediately exit his specially designed campaign bus, despite police instructions to stop 50 meters from the designated area.
Overcrowding and Lack of Safety Arrangements
TVK had sought permission for 10,000 attendees, but the rally drew nearly 25,000 people. Police noted that basic arrangements, such as drinking water and crowd management measures, were insufficient and did not comply with police conditions.
TVK’s counsel, S Arivazhagan, alleged a political conspiracy behind the tragedy and requested a court-monitored or independent investigation, accusing state authorities of rushing autopsies without proper identification.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met with the victims’ families, calling the stampede unprecedented in state history. He announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for each injured person.
CM Stalin stated:
“Once the truth is revealed, strict action will definitely be taken,”
referring to potential accountability for Vijay.
A committee headed by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed to investigate the incident.
Political Reactions
Opposition leaders and political figures have also criticized both Vijay and the state government for the disaster:
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BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy called the stampede a failure of crowd control measures and cited Vijay’s inexperience.
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Congress leader Supriya Shrinate emphasized the responsibility of political leaders while expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
The tragedy has sparked nationwide debate over safety protocols at large political rallies and the accountability of both party leaders and government authorities.
