TVK Leader’s Rally Stampede: 41 Dead, Key Party Official Arrested as Probe Deepens

Karur, Sept 2025 : Police probing the devastating stampede that claimed 41 lives during Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur have arrested the party’s West District Secretary, Mathiyazhagan, as investigations intensified on Monday.

The tragedy struck last week after Vijay concluded his address at a packed ground in Velayuthampalayam near Karur. Witnesses reported that a sudden power outage triggered panic among the crowd, prompting people to rush toward backup lights and exit points. The resulting crush left 41 people dead — including women and children — and over 60 others injured.

Initially handled by Karur Deputy Superintendent of Police Selvaraj, the inquiry is now being led by Additional Superintendent Premanand, reflecting the seriousness of the case. Police have registered cases under five sections of law, including endangering human life and disobeying public orders, against several TVK functionaries. Alongside Mathiyazhagan, cases have been filed against General Secretary Anand — who is currently untraceable — and Joint General Secretary Nirmalkumar.

In a parallel effort to curb misinformation, police arrested three individuals accused of spreading rumours online about the incident: Sagayam of the BJP from Perumbakkam, Sivanesan of the TVK from Mangadu, and Sarathkumar, a TVK social media administrator from Avadi.

The tragedy has sparked widespread political reactions. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep sorrow and assured that justice would be delivered to the victims’ families. “We have ordered a judicial inquiry, and relief measures are underway. Speculations and irresponsible comments will only deepen the grief of families,” he said, urging restraint from all quarters.

Opposition AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, however, blamed the ruling DMK for administrative lapses. “This horrific incident shows gross failure in enforcing safety protocols. The government must be held accountable,” he demanded.

Vijay himself has announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh for each bereaved family, describing the incident as “heartbreaking.” Appealing for calm, he urged supporters to wait for a fair and transparent investigation. “We need the truth to come out so such tragedies never repeat,” he said.

Authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events leading to one of Tamil Nadu’s deadliest political rallies. Police are expected to summon more TVK functionaries in the coming days, as both the judicial commission and the criminal investigation proceed in parallel.

Team Maverick