Karur stampede case: Arrested TVK leaders released after court denies custody extension

Karur, Tamil Nadu: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan and town functionary Paunraj were released from Trichy Central Prison on Thursday after the court refused to extend their judicial custody in connection with the tragic Karur stampede.

The two TVK leaders had been sent to 14-day judicial custody last month by a local court in Karur, following the stampede at party president and actor Vijay’s rally on September 27, which claimed 41 lives. Mathiyazhagan and Paunraj, who were responsible for arranging flagpoles and flex banners for the rally, were arrested on September 29 and 30, respectively.

Speaking on September 30, TVK’s lawyer Manikandan said,

“One meeting was cancelled with the advice of the Police...They could have advised us that the crowd would increase and could not be controlled. The judge has observed that action will be taken according to the law. They have given liberty to file a bail application, and further steps will be as per the law. 14-day judicial custody has been granted by the judge...”

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin addressed the incident on Wednesday, stressing that the government’s intention was not to blame or target any individual. He condemned the spread of misinformation surrounding the tragedy and stressed the need to clarify the facts.

In a statement posted on X, CM Stalin said,

“Regarding the tragic incident that occurred in Karur, the government's intention is not to blame or target any individual. However, when certain people deliberately spread false information against the government, it becomes our duty to clarify the true facts of what actually happened.”

He also announced that the state government is working on drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent such incidents in the future.

“The government is currently formulating a 'Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)' to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. All necessary actions will be taken in accordance with the final verdict of the Hon'ble Supreme Court,” the Chief Minister added.