TVK Functionary Arrested in Karur Rally Stampede Case; Death Toll Rises to 41.
Karur, Tamil Nadu:
In a significant development in the investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay’s rally in Karur, police have arrested Karur West district secretary V.P. Mathyiyalagan. The arrest comes as part of the probe into the deadly incident that has so far claimed 41 lives and left over 60 injured.
Mathyiyalagan, one of the key district-level office bearers of the Vijay-led party, was apprehended late Monday night near the Karur-Dindigul border, police officials confirmed.
Top Party Leaders Named in FIR
In addition to Mathyiyalagan, two senior TVK leaders have also been named in the First Information Report (FIR):
- Bussy Anand, TVK State General Secretary
- Nirmal Kumar, Deputy General Secretary
All three have been booked under several sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
- Section 105: Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
- Section 110: Attempt to commit culpable homicide
- Section 125: Endangering life of others
- Section 223: Disobedience to order
Additionally, Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992 has also been invoked against the accused.
FIR Alleges Deliberate Delay by Vijay, Lax Crowd Control
According to the FIR, TVK chief and popular actor Vijay allegedly “deliberately” arrived late at the public gathering held at Velusamypuram in Karur district on September 27, which led to growing restlessness and chaos among the massive crowd.
The FIR further states that TVK party functionaries failed to heed police warnings regarding overcrowding. There was no effective crowd regulation, and party cadres reportedly climbed onto tin sheets and tree branches, ignoring safety protocols. Several of them fell onto the people standing below, triggering panic and a deadly stampede.
“The situation spiraled out of control, leading to an abnormal situation where many victims choked or were trampled,” a police officer cited in the report said.
Death Toll Rises to 41
Tragically, the death toll rose to 41 on Monday, after a 60-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. Over 60 others remain injured, some in critical condition, prompting intensified scrutiny over the event’s management.
Background
The rally was part of a series of public outreach events organized by Vijay’s TVK, a political movement that has gained significant momentum in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape since its formal launch earlier this year.
The incident has cast a dark shadow over the party’s growing popularity, raising serious questions about safety protocols, organizational responsibility, and accountability.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The Tamil Nadu Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. More arrests are likely, officials say, depending on the outcome of forensic and eyewitness testimonies.
Meanwhile, public criticism is mounting over the lack of preparedness for managing massive crowds at political rallies, especially involving high-profile figures like Vijay.
