Why Did Vijay Remain Silent on the Karur Stampede?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vijay refrained from visiting victims' families to avoid chaos.
- The incident claimed 41 lives and left many injured.
- Government initiated an inquiry into the rally mismanagement.
- Political leaders criticized safety measures during the event.
- Public safety at events must be prioritized.
Chennai, Sep 30 (NationPress) Four days after the tragic Karur stampede that resulted in the loss of 41 lives during his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally, actor-turned-politician Vijay issued an emotional video message on Tuesday. He explained that he refrained from visiting the grieving families to avoid creating an “unusual situation” on-site.
“I have never encountered such a heartbreaking scenario in my life,” Vijay shared. “I chose not to travel to Karur as it could lead to an unusual situation. I will meet the families of the victims and the injured shortly.”
He conveyed his profound sorrow regarding the catastrophe and stated that the facts surrounding the incident would come to light soon.
Vijay also directed a sharp message at the DMK-led government, following the police action against his party members, including senior figures Bussy N Anand and CTR Nirmal Kumar, on multiple counts related to alleged mismanagement of the rally.
“CM sir, if you intend to retaliate, you may do anything to me but spare my party members,” he declared.
He expressed his readiness to face any repercussions. “You may do anything to me.”
The September 27 rally at Velusamypuram near Karur turned disastrous as a large crowd surged towards Vijay, resulting in a stampede that claimed 41 lives, including women and children, and injured around 60 others.
According to police, the organizers misjudged the crowd size and failed to manage entry points effectively, while sudden power outages and chaos exacerbated the panic.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who reached Karur shortly after the incident, announced aid measures and established a one-member Commission of Inquiry led by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the shortcomings.
On Tuesday, DMK insiders indicated that the government would await the inquiry report before assigning responsibility.
Stalin had previously urged restraint and asked the public to refrain from sharing unverified information.
Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) criticized the DMK government, asserting that the loss of 41 lives reflected a serious administrative failure.
He stated that adequate safety measures and coordination with the police could have averted the tragedy.
EPS further accused the ruling party of targeting dissenting voices while neglecting their duty to ensure safety.
With tensions running high, Vijay’s statement serves as both a damage-control effort aimed at reassuring his supporters and a direct challenge to the DMK’s narrative regarding the calamity.
The state now anticipates the inquiry report, which will influence the political ramifications of one of Tamil Nadu’s most devastating rally disasters.