TN Police book TVK leaders, Vijay's close aide Bussy Anand

Karur: A day after the stampede that killed 38 people and left many injured during a rally of the actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Tamil Nadu Police have booked party General Secretary Bussy Anand, Karur West district secretary VP Mathiyazhagan, and state office-bearer CT Nirmal Kumar for alleged violations that led to the deadly crowd crush.

The leaders have been booked under multiple provisions, including Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 105 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), Section 125 (punishment for rash or negligent acts endangering human life), and Section 223 (criminal disobedience to the order of a public officer). They also face charges under Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act (TNPPDL) for damage to public property.

The public meeting, held at Veluchamipuram on the outskirts of Karur, on Saturday, had drawn thousands who had queued since morning to see Vijay during his statewide political tour.

According to news reports, Vijay, who left Karur and returned to Chennai, will not be booked for now. His speedy return and the continued silence after a social media post have resulted in a huge backlash.

Eyewitnesses said that a sudden crowd surge in a tightly packed space led to panic, with people stumbling and being trampled amid inadequate crowd control and poor lighting.

Ambulances struggled through congested approach roads as rescuers rushed victims to the Karur Government Medical College Hospital and nearby private facilities.
The tragedy sparked nationwide grief. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister MK Stalin conveyed condolences.

Many from the film world also spoke about the loss of innocent lives. Rajinikanth said the news was heartbreaking. "The news of the loss of innocent lives in Karur is heartbreaking and deeply painful. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased."

Actor-director Parthiban said he was at a loss for how to console the bereaved families. "I don't know how to console the families of the 31 people who died in the Karur stampede. Let's all pray for the speedy recovery of those who are still undergoing treatment," he said.

Actor Satyaraj said that those responsible should be held accountable. "Mistakes happen unintentionally. But those who commit an offence knowingly should be punished," he said in a video.