TVK District Leader Held After Deadly Stampede At Vijay’s Karur Rally

Karur | September 30, 2025 Two days after a devastating stampede claimed 41 lives during a massive rally of actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu’s Karur, police have arrested Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan. Authorities have charged him with murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and acts endangering public safety. The police crackdown follows mounting questions about lapses in planning and crowd control at the event, which drew over 25,000 supporters—more than double the expected turnout of 10,000. Cases have also been filed against TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Sekar. According to the FIR, Vijay himself has been named for alleged deliberate acts that worsened the situation. The complaint, filed by a senior police officer, claims the actor-turned-politician arrived in Karur hours before but intentionally delayed his appearance by nearly four hours to showcase his political influence. The delay allegedly triggered restlessness among the swelling crowd, contributing to surges that spiraled out of control. Investigators say Vijay also held a roadshow without obtaining prior approval, flouting conditions set by the authorities. The FIR accuses TVK leaders of disregarding repeated warnings from police and creating “unnecessary expectations” among cadres who had already waited for hours under the blazing sun. The tragedy unfolded when sections of the crowd, exhausted from the wait and without adequate food or drinking water, pressed forward. Barricades collapsed as cadres attempted to climb a tin shed and nearby trees. When the structures gave way, dozens fell, sparking panic and a deadly rush. Hospital records confirm that of the 41 killed, at least 18 were women and 10 were children. Apart from the deaths, dozens more sustained injuries. The FIR also highlights traffic disruptions and hardship to the general public, noting that the reception for Vijay violated official permissions. Meanwhile, TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna has petitioned the Madras High Court, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. The plea also requests that Vijay be allowed to personally meet the families of the victims. TVK has alleged that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is using the incident to target the party, a claim firmly rejected by the state government. While police action has been swift against TVK office-bearers, questions are also being raised about administrative preparedness. Critics point to inadequate deployment of security personnel, weak barricading, and poor anticipation of the crowd size as contributing factors to the scale of the disaster. Responding to the tragedy, Vijay said he was “shattered and in inexplicable pain.” He announced financial assistance of ₹20 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and ₹2 lakh to the injured. The actor-politician also expressed prayers for the speedy recovery of survivors. As investigations widen and blame is apportioned, the Karur stampede has ignited a fierce debate on political rallies, crowd safety, and the responsibility of leaders in preventing such avoidable tragedies. TVK Leader Arrested After Karur Stampede at Vijay’s Rally Forty-eight hours after a tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur claimed 41 lives, police arrested TVK district secretary Mathiyazhagan on charges of murder, culpable homicide, and endangering public safety. The FIR also names Vijay, accusing him of deliberately delaying his appearance and conducting a roadshow without permission, which allegedly triggered restlessness among over 25,000 attendees. Cases have been filed against other TVK leaders as well. While TVK demands a CBI probe and blames political conspiracy, questions remain about police preparedness and crowd control. Vijay expressed grief and announced compensation for victims’ families.