Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor-turned-politician Vijay connected with families of the September 27 Karur stampede victims via video call, a gesture that has now gone viral.
In the clip, a TVK worker is seen facilitating the call, showing Vijay’s personal outreach amid the ongoing tragedy.
Karur Stampede: What Happened
The stampede occurred during a TVK rally ahead of Tamil Nadu’s 2026 elections. Over 41 people died, including minors, and 100+ were injured when a crowd surged toward Vijay’s convoy after his delayed arrival. The venue, meant for 2,000–3,000 attendees, was overcrowded with more than 30,000 supporters. Chaos ensued due to hot weather, power outages, and lack of basic amenities, leading to victims being trampled or falling into open drains. Many families tragically lost multiple members, intensifying grief and public scrutiny.
Authorities have criticised TVK organisers for poor crowd management and ignoring police guidance. FIRs were filed against several party officials, though Vijay was not named in any complaints. Leaders across parties offered condolences and announced compensation packages for victims’ families.
Investigation Underway
In response to the tragedy:
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin appointed a one-member commission led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan for an independent inquiry.
- The Madras High Court set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident, criticising TVK for inadequate safety measures.
- TVK has challenged the High Court’s order in the Supreme Court, seeking an impartial investigation into the stampede circumstances.
The Karur tragedy continues to shape Tamil Nadu’s political discourse ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, with safety and accountability remaining major public concerns.
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