Karur Rally Stampede: Actor-Politician Vijay’s Event Leaves 41 Dead, Over 100 Injured
Tragedy Strikes at TVK Rally
A deadly stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, claimed the lives of at least 41 people and left over 100 injured. The injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals, with three reported in critical condition.
The victims’ bodies were handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations, while authorities continue investigations into the cause of the tragedy.
Delays and Mismanagement Cited
Police have pointed to Vijay’s late arrival and insufficient arrangements at the venue as primary reasons for the chaos. The rally was organized by Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), which had sought permission for 10,000 attendees, but the crowd swelled to an estimated 25,000 people, overwhelming the security measures.
According to ADGP Davidson Devasirvatham, Vijay arrived three hours late after his rally in Namakkal district, and delays in exiting his specially designed campaign bus caused restlessness among the crowd, contributing to the stampede.
Legal Action Initiated
The First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against TVK officials, including Karur (North) district secretary Madhiazhagan, general secretary Bussy Anand, and joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar. They face charges under sections:
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105 – Culpable homicide
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110 – Attempt to commit culpable homicide
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125 – Endangering life of others
Meanwhile, TVK counsel S Arivazhagan has alleged a political conspiracy, requesting a court-monitored investigation or inquiry by an independent agency.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met the families of the victims, expressing condolences and announcing ex-gratia compensation:
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₹10 lakh for each deceased family
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₹1 lakh for each injured person
CM Stalin also appointed Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to lead the inquiry committee probing the stampede. He emphasized that strict action will be taken once the investigation concludes.
Political Reactions and Accountability
Political leaders have expressed concerns over the incident:
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Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Karnataka BJP Leader, called it a failure of crowd management by both Vijay and the Tamil Nadu government.
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Congress leader Supriya Shrinate stressed that leaders are responsible for ensuring public safety during mass gatherings.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin held consultations with ministers and medical officials at Karur Government Hospital, coordinating the response and ongoing treatment for the injured.
Key Takeaway
The Karur stampede underscores the importance of proper crowd management, timely scheduling, and strict safety protocols at political events. Authorities have launched investigations, and compensation for victims’ families has been announced, while the inquiry will determine accountability of both event organizers and political leaders.
