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The Madras High Court strongly criticised Vijay’s TVK leaders for failing to rescue victims or take responsibility after the Karur stampede.
A photo of TVK chief Vijay/ the aftermath of the stampede in Karur (PTI)
The Madras High Court on Friday expressed grief over the Karur stampede, which claimed the lives of 41 people on September 27, and pulled up the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leaders and organisers of the rally by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
The court bashed the party leaders and organisers for their failure to rescue the public and children, and for not taking responsibility for the incident.
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“Watching the videos is painful,” said Justice N Senthilkumar, as the court expressed shock that only two people had been arrested so far in connection with the incident.
“Whether they are leaders or party workers, after this incident, while the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and all political parties expressed grief and engaged in rescue efforts, the organisers of the event, the party members, had completely walked away,” the court remarked.
Later, the court ordered setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under senior IPS officer Asra Garg to probe the stampede, and suggested strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) for political rallies.
It dismissed the anticipatory bail pleas of TVK state general secretary Bussy N Anand and deputy general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, who were named in the FIR in connection with the incident.
It also refused to order a CBI probe into the Karur stampede case, but gave the petitioner, BJP leader Uma Anandan, the liberty to approach the court if the investigation is not done properly.
The bench took note of the Tamil Nadu government’s suggestion to frame SOPs in respect of rallies or meetings, disallowing events near state or national highways.
It suggested that in future, when such political rallies or meetings are held at designated places, the government and political parties must ensure that there are proper arrangements for drinking water and sanitation.
The bench also said that escape routes and parking facilities should be provided to minimise the chances of stampedes.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling DMK trained their guns against the BJP and Vijay, respectively.
While Stalin accused the BJP of trying to gain political mileage over the deadly incident, his party DMK slammed Vijay for his alleged “arrogance, hunger for money, publicity mania and the desire for chair.”
It said his challenge to the state government to arrest him for the stampede was aimed at diverting attention away from the deaths of as many as 41 persons.
ALSO READ | Days After Karur Stampede, Posters Backing TVK Chief Vijay Seen In Tamil Nadu
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
October 04, 2025, 13:17 IST
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