Karur stampede: TVK district secretary arrested; FIR blames Vijay for ‘deliberate delay’
The report also stated that TVK cadres, perched on tin sheets and tree branches, fell on people standing below, leading to panic and suffocation.
The report also stated that TVK cadres, perched on tin sheets and tree branches, fell on people standing below, leading to panic and suffocation.
The report also stated that TVK cadres, perched on tin sheets and tree branches, fell on people standing below, leading to panic and suffocation.
Chennai: TVK Karur district secretary Mathyiyalagan has been arrested in connection with the Karur stampede that killed at least 41 people and injured over 60 during a rally addressed by party chief and actor-politician Vijay on September 27.
According to the FIR, Vijay “deliberately” delayed his arrival at Velusamypuram in Karur district, which triggered restlessness and overcrowding among thousands of supporters waiting for hours under the scorching sun.
The case, however, does not directly name Vijay as an accused. Instead, it has been registered against three party functionaries — Mathyiyalagan (Karur district secretary), Bussy N Anand (state general secretary), and CTR Nirmal Kumar (state joint secretary).
Police said Vijay conducted unauthorised roadshows before reaching Velusamypuram and his campaign vehicle halted amid the crowd, worsening the situation. “Organisers deliberately delayed Vijay’s arrival by four hours to project political strength,” the FIR noted, adding that the crowd became exhausted and dehydrated due to lack of drinking water and medical facilities.
The report also stated that TVK cadres, perched on tin sheets and tree branches, fell on people standing below, leading to panic and suffocation.
The FIR said Inspector G Mathialagan and the deputy superintendent had warned party leaders in advance about the risk of overcrowding, but the warnings went unheeded.
The three leaders have been booked under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 125 (endangering life of others), and 223 (disobedience to order) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.
The death toll climbed to 41 on Monday after a 60-year-old woman succumbed to injuries. Following the tragedy, Vijay dropped plans to visit the Karur government hospital, as officials feared his presence might trigger further crowding. “He initially wanted to meet the injured and console them but was advised against it,” a senior TVK leader said.