Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Sep 28: Following the tragic stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur, which has claimed 40 lives, the party has filed a petition in the Madras High Court demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the disaster.
TVK deputy general secretary C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar confirmed that the plea is scheduled for urgent hearing before the Madurai Bench on Monday at 2:15 p.m. He emphasized the party’s call for an impartial probe to ensure justice for the victims.
Earlier, a delegation of TVK lawyers, led by Nirmal Kumar, met Justice M. Dhandapani’s residence to make an urgent mention, pressing for judicial intervention. They highlighted the massive scale of the tragedy and the need for strict accountability in crowd management and safety arrangements.
The deadly stampede occurred late Saturday evening during Vijay’s mass outreach rally at Velusamypuram, where thousands had gathered under harsh conditions with scarce food, water, and medical facilities. Delays in Vijay’s arrival—he reached around 7:40 p.m., despite earlier indications of an earlier appearance—caused restlessness among the crowd. The surge led to chaos in the congested lanes, resulting in victims being trampled and suffocated. Nine children were among those who lost their lives, with women making up the majority of other fatalities. More than 60 injured remain hospitalized.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who arrived in Karur after midnight, expressed profound sorrow and pledged that such a tragedy must never recur. He announced the formation of a judicial commission headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to conduct a thorough investigation. Stalin also announced financial aid of Rs 10 lakh for each deceased family and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
Opposition Leader and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami visited the injured and condemned the government’s handling of the event, calling it a "man-made disaster" caused by negligence in crowd control and safety protocols. He demanded strict accountability from the state administration.
As the death toll rises and public outrage grows, the coming days are expected to see increased political tensions alongside the judicial probe into one of Tamil Nadu’s most devastating public tragedies in recent years.