What happened in the TN stampede that led to judicial custody for two TVK leaders?
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Synopsis
Two TVK leaders face judicial custody after a stampede at a rally in Tamil Nadu left 41 dead and 60 injured. The tragedy has prompted significant political reactions and calls for accountability and improved safety measures, as the investigation unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Two TVK leaders remanded to 14 days’ custody.
- 41 dead and nearly 60 injured in the stampede.
- Investigations reveal crowd control failures.
- State compensation announced for victims' families.
- Political leaders demand stricter safety measures.
Chennai, Sep 30 (NationPress) Two high-ranking members of actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) have been placed under 14 days’ judicial custody following a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals, including women and children, and left nearly 60 others injured during a significant party rally at Velusamypuram in Karur on September 27.
Karur West District Secretary V. P. Mathiyalagan and Karur Central District Secretary Kasi Pounraj were presented before the Karur District Criminal Court, where they were ordered to remain in custody until October 14. They have been named in the First Information Report (FIR) for alleged failures in crowd management and safety protocols.
Other TVK leaders, including state general secretary Bussy Anand and deputy general secretary Nirmal Kumar, are also implicated but have yet to be arrested.
The charges against the accused are severe, falling under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, encompassing culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 105), attempts to commit culpable homicide (Section 110), endangering the lives of others (Section 125), and disobedience to lawful orders (Section 223).
Investigators reported that the crowd size far exceeded the originally estimated 10,000, with narrow access points and inadequate barricading contributing to the deadly rush.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin characterized the incident as “unprecedented and heartbreaking,” visiting Karur shortly after the tragedy to offer support to survivors and grieving families. He pledged state compensation and assured that “no lapses will be overlooked” in the investigation.
The state government has appointed retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to lead a one-member inquiry commission.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, representing the Prime Minister, visited affected families and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the deceased's kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured. She expressed that the Centre “shares the profound grief of the people of Tamil Nadu” and emphasized the need for measures to avert similar tragedies in the future.
TVK founder Vijay, who initially refrained from making a statement to prevent further turmoil, expressed his deep sorrow in a video message, promising to meet the families soon. “You may do anything to me, but not my party colleagues,” he stated.
BJP MP Hema Malini, leading an NDA fact-finding team, remarked, “If a larger, safer venue had been provided, this tragedy could have been averted.”
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami attributed the incident to “organizational failure,” while Congress national general secretary K. C. Venugopal described the stampede as “beyond imagination” and called for stricter safety regulations for large public gatherings.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the gravity of the TN stampede tragedy. The loss of life is profound and demands accountability. The unfolding investigation must be approached with diligence, ensuring that the safety of citizens is prioritized in future events. The nation stands with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the stampede during the TVK rally?
The stampede was triggered by a crowd that vastly exceeded the estimated 10,000 attendees, combined with narrow access points and inadequate barricading.
How many people died in the stampede?
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals, including women and children.
What are the legal charges against the TVK leaders?
They face serious charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, attempt to commit culpable homicide, and disobedience to lawful orders.
What actions have the Tamil Nadu government taken in response?
The Tamil Nadu government has announced state compensation for victims' families and appointed a retired judge to lead an inquiry into the incident.
What has been the political reaction to the stampede?
Political leaders across party lines have condemned the incident, calling for accountability and stricter safety measures for large public events.
