Chennai, Sep 29 — Police in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district have intensified their crackdown on senior leaders of the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) in connection with the September 27 stampede that killed 41 people during actor-politician Vijay’s election rally at Velayuthampalayam.
According to officials, steps are underway to arrest TVK General Secretary N. Anand, Joint General Secretary C.T.R. Nirmalkumar, and District Secretary Mathiyazhagan. A special police team has been formed to trace the absconding leaders, who allegedly ignored repeated safety warnings before the fatal crowd surge.
Investigations revealed that vehicles were parked near Velayuthampalayam junction in a manner that obstructed movement. Meanwhile, thousands of volunteers and the public gathered in the same area, creating severe congestion. Local police and revenue officials had reportedly cautioned TVK organisers — specifically Anand, Nirmalkumar, and Mathiyazhagan — about the dangers of overcrowding and suffocation, urging stronger crowd-control measures.
However, officers said these warnings were disregarded. Summons were issued to the leaders for inquiry, but they failed to appear, prompting police to launch a search to take them into custody. Multiple criminal charges, including negligence causing loss of life, have been invoked in the First Information Report (FIR).
The Karur tragedy has sparked statewide shock and political unrest. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has ordered a judicial inquiry headed by retired Madras High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan to fix accountability and recommend safety protocols for political gatherings. Stalin also visited the bereaved families, assuring full government support while appealing against the spread of unverified claims.
Actor Vijay, TVK’s chief, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, alleging a “political conspiracy” and demanding an independent probe. Meanwhile, opposition parties including the AIADMK and BJP have demanded accountability from the ruling DMK for the lapses that led to the tragedy.
