Tamil Nadu Minister Durai Murugan has clarified that actor-politician and TVK chief Vijay will not be arrested in connection with the Karur stampede unless there is concrete evidence directly implicating him. The tragic incident on September 27, which killed 41 people during a TVK rally in Velusamypuram on the Karur-Erode highway, remains under investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IG Asra Garg.
Murugan emphasised that the state government acted appropriately by granting permission, providing police protection, setting conditions, and offering advice for the rally. He stated, “If there is evidence, the government will do its duty. Generally, each party knows how many people will attend the meetings it organises. Parties should choose venues appropriate to their expected crowd.” He added that a committee is being set up to review and strengthen safety protocols for political rallies, including crowd limits and logistical arrangements, to prevent future tragedies.
The minister also defended the DMK government against criticism, asserting that accusations of negligence are politically motivated. On remarks made by Governor RN Ravi, Murugan said, “RN Ravi is not the Governor of Tamil Nadu. He speaks like an Opposition leader, abandoning the dignity and decorum of the Governor’s office.”
The Karur stampede occurred when a massive crowd surged toward Vijay’s convoy, which was delayed by nearly seven hours. Permission had been granted for 10,000 attendees, but reports indicated around 25,000–27,000 people had gathered, with some estimates putting the crowd at double the expected size. Authorities had deployed 500 personnel expecting 15,000–20,000 attendees. Despite these measures, supporters began arriving from early morning, enduring extreme heat with limited access to water and food. Many, including children, fainted or suffered dehydration while waiting for Vijay, who was initially scheduled to speak in Namakkal at 8:45 am but reached Velusamypuram around 7–7:40 pm, escorted by police. Approximately 5,000 supporters reportedly followed him in their own vehicles, contrary to police instructions.
Following the tragedy, cases have been registered against TVK leaders N Anand and Nirmal Kumar under multiple sections. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court criticised Vijay for leaving the site after the incident and noted the party’s failure to express remorse. The SIT has been reviewing documents and evidence transferred from Karur to Chennai, while the court is also examining anticipatory bail petitions filed by TVK leaders and considering stricter guidelines for political rallies.
The incident prompted nationwide condolences, and compensation has been announced for the victims and their families. Chief Minister MK Stalin has constituted a one-member commission to investigate the tragedy, while criminal proceedings continue against key TVK leaders accused of ignoring police guidance and violating regulations during the rally.
