Why is the TN government not holding Vijay accountable for the Karur stampede?
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Synopsis
In a powerful statement, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan criticizes the Tamil Nadu government for its 'selective action' following the tragic Karur stampede. With 41 lives lost, he questions why only certain individuals were targeted and calls for accountability from all event organizers, including influential figures like Vijay.
Key Takeaways
- 41 lives lost in the Karur stampede.
- VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan criticizes selective government actions.
- Calls for accountability extend to all event organizers, not just lower-level individuals.
- An inquiry panel is investigating the incident led by Aruna Jagadeesan.
- Public safety at political events is under scrutiny.
Chennai, Oct 2 (NationPress) VCK president and MP Thol Thirumavalavan raised serious concerns on Thursday regarding the Tamil Nadu government and police for their "biased actions" in the aftermath of the Karur tragedy, where a stampede led to the deaths of 41 individuals during a public rally by actor-politician Vijay.
In a press interaction, Thirumavalavan expressed that the police's response was "disturbing and partial".
He highlighted the fact that while TVK state general secretary Bussi Anand faced charges related to the incident, no legal action had been taken against Vijay or other significant event organizers.
"In the Karur stampede that resulted in 41 fatalities, why has an FIR been lodged solely against Anand while Vijay, Arun Raj, or Aadhav Arjunan have not faced similar scrutiny?" he questioned.
"If there was justification to charge Anand, shouldn't the same reasoning apply to Vijay and the other main organizers who orchestrated and oversaw the event?" Thirumavalavan asked rhetorically.
"Is the government hesitant to act against influential figures? Are we living in a system where the powerful evade consequences while the vulnerable are held accountable?" he further questioned.
Recalling a personal incident from nearly twenty years ago, the VCK leader mentioned being falsely accused by the police despite having no ties to a violent episode in Nainarpalayam, Villupuram district.
"I was completely oblivious to the occurrence at the time, yet charges were filed against me by then Villupuram SP Ravi. This illustrates how swiftly the police respond to some cases while displaying reluctance in others," he stated.
He asserted that accountability for such tragedies extends beyond lower-level organizers; it encompasses those who conceived and executed the campaign.
"Those who procrastinated, created conditions for the crowd surge, and made safety-related decisions must be held responsible. Why isn't the same standard applied here?" Thirumavalavan demanded clarity from the state on whether political considerations were hindering a fair investigation and called for equitable treatment before the law.
"When lives are at stake, justice cannot be contingent upon power or fame," he affirmed. The Karur stampede, which transpired on September 27, occurred during Vijay's "meet the people" event, resulting in 41 fatalities and over 60 injuries.
A probe panel led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan is currently investigating the incident.
Point of View
It's crucial to provide an unbiased perspective. The tragic events in Karur raise questions about accountability and the justice system's integrity. The emphasis should be on ensuring that all responsible parties, regardless of their influence, are held accountable. It is vital for public trust and the rule of law.
NationPress
02/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the stampede in Karur?
The stampede occurred during a public rally held by actor-politician Vijay, leading to a chaotic situation that resulted in 41 fatalities.
What actions has the Tamil Nadu government taken?
Critics, including VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan, have accused the Tamil Nadu government of selective action, as charges have been filed against lower-level organizers but not against key figures like Vijay.
Who is investigating the Karur stampede?
An inquiry panel led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the stampede.
What are the implications of this incident?
The incident raises significant concerns about public safety at political events and the accountability of organizers, especially those in positions of power.
How many people were injured in the stampede?
In addition to the 41 fatalities, more than 60 individuals sustained injuries during the stampede.
