Karur Stampede Tragedy: Death Toll at 40, Demands for CBI Probe Intensify

Karur Stampede Death Toll Rises to 40; CBI Probe Demands Spark Political Storm.

The death toll from the stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur on Saturday climbed to 40 on Sunday, with more than 60 others still hospitalised, at least two in critical condition. The tragedy is being called one of Tamil Nadu’s deadliest political gatherings in recent memory.

What followed was a fierce political storm. Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has demanded a CBI probe, alleging a conspiracy behind the chaos, while the BJP accused the ruling DMK government of negligence. Meanwhile, the state has set up a judicial commission of enquiry headed by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan.

Key Developments:

Cases Filed: Police registered cases against TVK leaders Mathiazhagan, Bussy Anand, and CT Nirmal Kumar under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, attempted culpable homicide, rash acts endangering life, and violations of the Tamil Nadu Public Property Damage Act.

TVK’s Allegations: TVK petitioned the Madras High Court, claiming the stampede was triggered by a lathi charge, a sudden power cut, and stone-pelting. The party is demanding either a CBI or independent probe. BJP’s K. Annamalai echoed the call, citing administrative lapses.

Police’s Response: Tamil Nadu police dismissed allegations of stone-pelting, stating the surge occurred when Vijay arrived, as crowds swelled beyond the permitted 10,000 to nearly 27,000. Officials said party leaders had ignored directives on crowd control.

Relief Announcements: Vijay announced ₹20 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and ₹2 lakh for the injured. The state government declared ₹10 lakh and ₹1 lakh, respectively, while the Centre announced ₹2 lakh for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Political parties also extended aid, with the TN Congress offering ₹1 crore per family and the BJP ₹1 lakh.

Judicial Enquiry: Justice Jagadeesan visited Karur General Hospital, met affected families, and inspected the site. A petition has also been filed in the High Court seeking to restrain police from granting permission for future Vijay rallies until the investigation is complete.

Victims: Among the dead were 10 children, 17 women, and 13 men. Tragedies included a couple due to be married soon, a young mother with her two daughters, and a two-year-old boy.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said any action against Vijay would depend on the enquiry panel’s findings, adding that political considerations would not influence the process.

Eyewitnesses reported that attendees had waited for hours in scorching heat without adequate food or water. Many fainted before the event began, and the late arrival of Vijay triggered the final surge that proved fatal.