Karur, Sep 28 (NationPress) The police in Karur Town have initiated legal proceedings against V.P. Mathiyazhagan, the secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the Karur West district, following a tragic stampede during a rally led by the party's president and actor Vijay in Velysamupuram. This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of 39 lives and left 83 individuals wounded.

The incident transpired on Saturday. Authorities have stated that the case was registered under four sections of the Indian Penal Code, citing breaches of safety regulations and inadequate crowd management during the political gathering.

Currently, Mathiyazhagan is the only individual named in the First Information Report, but investigations are ongoing to determine if others may have contributed to the disaster.

According to a senior police officer, “The investigation is ongoing, and further accountability will be established after a thorough inquiry.”

The large-scale meeting was part of Vijay's statewide campaign for the TVK party, attracting thousands of supporters who had been waiting since early morning under the sweltering sun, with limited access to food and water.

The crowd surged when party social media accounts announced that Vijay would arrive at noon; however, he did not reach the venue until 7:40 p.m.

The overwhelming congestion led to many individuals fainting, triggering panic and a tragic crush. Injured victims were swiftly transported to Karur Medical College Hospital and nearby private clinics.

The Director General of Police, G. Venkataraman, expressed remorse over the incident, calling it “deeply regrettable.”

“Our goal is not to assign blame but to present the facts and prevent such occurrences in the future,” he remarked, noting that police are reassessing event approval processes.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin traveled to Karur late Saturday night to meet with survivors and the families of those affected. He declared an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to those severely injured.

CM Stalin has also mandated a judicial investigation led by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan.

“Such a tragedy must never happen again. Those found responsible will face consequences,” he asserted.

President of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Thol. Thirumavalavan, urged that compensation for victims' families be increased to Rs 50 lakh, labeling the catastrophe as “an unimaginable human tragedy that demands accountability and greater support.”

The Tamil Nadu government has dispatched senior officials and ministers to oversee medical care and relief efforts as the investigation proceeds.