Karur, Sep 29 (NationPress) In a significant development regarding the tragic stampede that resulted in the loss of 41 lives during the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur, police have apprehended the party’s West District Secretary, Mathiyazhagan, as the investigation expands.

The unfortunate incident transpired last week following Vijay's speech at a crowded venue in Velayuthampalayam, near Karur. Witnesses reported that sudden power outages incited chaos, prompting attendees to rush toward backup lights and exits. Consequently, 41 individuals, including women and children, perished while over 60 others sustained injuries. Initially, the case was managed by Karur’s Deputy Superintendent of Police Selvaraj, but the state's senior police officials have now appointed Additional Superintendent Premanand to oversee a more thorough investigation.

Authorities have filed cases under five sections, including endangering human life and ignoring public orders, against multiple TVK leaders — General Secretary Anand, Joint General Secretary Nirmalkumar, and Mathiyazhagan. Reports indicate that Anand has gone off the grid, with his phone turned off.

Simultaneously, police have arrested three individuals — Sagayam from Perumbakkam (BJP), Sivanesan from Mangadu (TVK), and Sarathkumar from Avadi (a TVK social media manager) — for disseminating false information about the disaster on social media. The incident has sparked intense political reactions.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed profound sorrow and assured justice for the victims. “We have initiated a judicial inquiry, and relief efforts are in progress. Speculations and thoughtless remarks will only harm grieving families,” he stated, urging for calm.

Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami demanded accountability from the ruling DMK, questioning their crowd management strategies. “This tragic event highlights a severe administrative failure. The government must clarify why safety measures were overlooked,” he said.

Vijay announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for each affected family, describing the stampede as “heartbreaking,” and urged his supporters to maintain composure.

He has called for a transparent and independent investigation, emphasizing, “We need to uncover the truth to prevent future tragedies.” Authorities are continuing to analyze the events that led to one of Tamil Nadu’s most catastrophic political rallies.

Investigators are expected to interview additional TVK officials in the forthcoming days as the judicial inquiry and police investigation proceed concurrently.