Following a tragic stampede at a rally organized by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which resulted in the deaths of 39 people and injuries to over 50 others, police have initiated legal action against the actor-politician’s key associates. The Karur District Police have registered separate First Information Reports (FIRs) against Anand, the party’s general secretary, and Nirmal Kumar, the joint general secretary of TVK. The incident occurred during an overcrowded campaign event.
Authorities confirmed the fatalities, with ADGP (Law and Order) S Davidson Devasirvatham stating that an investigation has been launched. The stampede unfolded as the rally, which had far exceeded anticipated attendance, spiraled out of control, prompting Vijay to halt his speech. Among the deceased were 16 women and 10 children.
Initial estimates by organizers projected approximately 10,000 attendees; however, the actual turnout was nearly three times that figure. Director General of Police (DGP) G Venkatraman noted that prior TVK rallies had attracted smaller crowds, but this event saw an unexpectedly large gathering.
The crowd had been waiting for hours without adequate provisions of food and water, exacerbated by Vijay’s delayed arrival. The meeting was authorized from 3 pm to 10 pm, yet crowds began assembling as early as 11 am. By the time Vijay arrived at 7:40 pm, many had already endured a lengthy wait. Vijay acknowledged the efforts of the police but emphasized the responsibility of party cadres for crowd management. The cause of the disaster will be ascertained through an inquiry, with a one-person commission already established. Significant police presence was deployed at the venue.
Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep sorrow, noting the unprecedented scale of the loss of life at a political event in the state’s history. He instructed officials to provide immediate assistance, including compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the injured. An inquiry commission, led by a retired High Court judge, has been formed to investigate the incident.
