Karur stampede (PTI image)
NEW DELHI: Chennai police on Monday arrested three individuals for allegedly spreading rumours about the Karur stampede that killed 41 people during a political rally on Saturday. The arrested include Sahayam, 38, BJP State Secretary (Art & Culture) from Perumbakkam; Sivaneswaran, a member of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) from Mangadu and Sarathkumar, 32, TVK’s 46th Ward Secretary from Avadi.The stampede occurred during a rally organized by TVK leader and actor Vijay in Velusamypuram, Karur, leading to the deaths of 41 individuals, including women and children. Over 60 others were hospitalized, with several in critical condition. The tragedy has prompted widespread outrage and calls for accountability.The tragedy was triggered by overcrowding, Vijay’s delayed arrival and infrastructure failures, including a sudden power outage and the collapse of a temporary shed, which led to panic and a deadly crush.In response to the incident, TVK has alleged that the stampede was engineered by the police and members of the ruling DMK party, including former Minister V Senthil Balaji. Vijay has alleged a political conspiracy behind the incident and has moved the Madras High Court’s Madurai bench, requesting an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT).Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced compensation of Rs10 lakh for each deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.He also ordered the formation of an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge to investigate the incident.The stampede has sparked widespread outrage, with posters demanding Vijay’s arrest appearing in Karur.
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