Vijay’s Karur rally tragedy leaves at least 39 dead, TVK functionaries booked

An FIR has been filed against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionaries in connection with the Karur stampede that has claimed 39 lives so far. The case has been registered against Madhiazhagan, TVK’s district secretary for Karur North; Bussy Anand, the party’s general secretary; CTR Nirmal Kumar, joint general secretary; and several others.

The FIR was registered by Karur city police. The accused have been booked under sections 105 (culpable homicide), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 125 (endangering life of others), and 223 (disobedience to order) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992. 

The stampede occurred during a public rally of TVK chief and actor Vijay on Saturday, September 27, when a large crowd surged forward for a glimpse of him. Many fainted after complaining of breathlessness. As per the latest details, 39 people have died and 59 others are undergoing treatment.

The Tamil Nadu government has set up a Commission of Inquiry under retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident. Chief Minister MK Stalin, who visited the victims at Karur Government Hospital, said the government would take appropriate action after the Commission submits its findings. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have expressed their condolences. Meanwhile, the Union government has sought a response from the Tamil Nadu government on the tragedy.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin earlier instructed Health Minister Ma Subramanian, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh, and top police officials to rush to the spot.

“The news coming from Karur is worrying,” CM Stalin tweeted, adding that he had instructed ministers and the District Collector to provide “the necessary immediate treatment...on a war footing.” He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the doctors and the police.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian said that 24 doctors from Tiruchi and 20 doctors from Salem are being mobilised to Karur.

Former minister V Senthil Balaji visited the Government Hospital in Karur, where the injured have been admitted.

According to eyewitnesses, trouble began when TVK chief Vijay’s convoy reached Veluchamy Puram, where he was scheduled to deliver his address. Thousands of supporters had gathered at the location, including women and children. “The crowd kept getting bigger and there was no space to move,” the eyewitness added. 

Vijay’s speech was interrupted twice as ambulances were brought in to take people who collapsed at the spot. Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the crowd after the stampede. 

Vijay, who launched TVK earlier this year after formally stepping into politics, began his maiden statewide tour on September 13 in Ariyalur, Tiruchirappalli district, and completed the first leg on September 20 in Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur.

Earlier this week, the party had revised its schedule. Initially set to end on December 20, the tour will now run into early 2026, covering nearly every key district in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Earlier this week, the TVK had released a 10-pointer guideline for party rallies following chaos at Vijay’s rally in Trichy. His roadshow in Trichy on September 13, had caused massive traffic snarls and property damage.

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