Who is Responsible for the Karur Stampede? TVK Leaders Seek Anticipatory Bail

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 41 lives lost in the Karur stampede during a political rally.
- TVK leaders seek anticipatory bail amid allegations of negligence.
- A one-member inquiry commission has been formed to investigate.
- Chief Minister pledges new safety guidelines for public events.
- Political tensions continue to rise following the tragedy.
Chennai, Sep 30 (NationPress) Two prominent officials from Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), General Secretary Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Kumar, have approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court for anticipatory bail concerning the tragic Karur stampede that resulted in the loss of 41 lives during a campaign rally led by party leader and actor Vijay on September 27.
This heartbreaking incident took place at Velayuthampalayam near Karur, where thousands congregated to catch a glimpse of Vijay.
As the crowd surged, a devastating crush occurred, leading to the deaths of 41 individuals, including women and children, with many others suffering injuries.
The police have filed cases under five charges, including endangering human life and violating public orders, against TVK officials Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan.
While Mathiyazhagan was taken into custody on Monday, another TVK member, Masi Paunraj, was detained on Tuesday for allegedly providing him with shelter. Law enforcement continues to search for the other suspects.
In their motions, Anand and Nirmal Kumar argued that the tragedy stemmed from police and administrative failures rather than any wrongdoing by the organizers.
They asserted that the authorities did not implement sufficient crowd control measures and failed to designate a safe location for the rally. Anand claimed that TVK leaders are being targeted to obscure the government's own shortcomings, and he requested the court to safeguard them from arrest.
The court will hear the petitions on Friday, October 3.
Previously, the state government established a one-member inquiry commission led by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the factors contributing to this tragedy.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed profound sorrow, announced compensation, and committed to implementing new safety protocols for political and public gatherings following the commission's findings.
"We must collectively ensure that such an occurrence never happens again," CM Stalin stated, urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.
Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami called for a judicial inquiry, accusing the DMK government of severe administrative negligence.
In the meantime, Vijay visited the bereaved families and pledged Rs 20 lakh each as aid, expressing his heartbreak over the loss of his supporters. The Karur stampede has ignited a significant political controversy, with various parties exchanging accusations while the victims' families await justice and enhanced safety measures for future events.