Why Is There No Action Against Vijay After the Karur Stampede?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- DMK defends decision not to charge Vijay.
- Official inquiry led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan ongoing.
- 41 lives lost in the tragic stampede.
- Political pressure mounts on the DMK.
- Opposition demands accountability and transparency.
Chennai, Oct 2 (NationPress) The ruling party of Tamil Nadu, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), on Thursday defended the decision of the state government to refrain from filing a case against actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay concerning the tragic stampede at the rally held on September 27, which resulted in the death of 41 individuals. The DMK stated that accountability can only be determined once the official investigation concludes.
DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan mentioned that a one-member commission of inquiry, led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, is currently examining the incident.
He emphasized, “It’s only after the commission submits its report that we can ascertain who is responsible and what actions should follow.”
Elangovan highlighted that some officials have already faced legal repercussions due to discovered lapses in crowd safety, such as insufficient provisions for water and food.
Furthermore, “Action has also been initiated against TVK General Secretaries Bussi Anand for site-related failures and against Aadhav Arjun for disseminating misleading information on social media,” he noted.
This statement from the DMK followed accusations from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan, who criticized the police for exhibiting “double standards” by not taking action against Vijay while pursuing charges against Anand.
“If there was justification to act against Anand, what prevented the police from addressing Vijay, Aadhav Arjun, and others involved in organizing the event?” he questioned, labeling the selective handling as “shocking negligence.”
The stampede, which occurred during Vijay’s “Meet the People” rally at the Karur bus stand ground, led to a massive crowd surge, causing chaos that resulted in the tragic loss of 41 lives and injuries to over 60 individuals.
This catastrophe has sparked significant political backlash aimed at the state government and Vijay’s nascent party.
In addition, an eight-member fact-finding team from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by BJP MP and actress Hema Malini, visited Karur recently to speak with survivors and the families of victims. The delegation condemned the DMK administration, alleging severe mismanagement and calling for a central investigation into the matter. While the opposition continues to demand accountability, the DMK maintains that a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry is necessary to determine responsibility before any further actions are initiated.