TN stampede: FIR says Vijay stayed inside campaign vehicle, causing overcrowding and restlessness

Karur: At least 41 people have died and 60 others were injured in a stampede that occurred during a rally held by actor-politician Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), at Velusamypuram on September 27, according to a First Information Report (FIR) filed in connection with the incident.

What does the FIR say?

The FIR states that Vijay remained inside his campaign vehicle for an extended period, which led to overcrowding and restlessness among the large crowd gathered to see him.

The narrow venue could not accommodate the swelling numbers, and a surge in the crowd caused people to trample each other.

The situation escalated when steel sheds and trees, climbed on by attendees to get a better view, collapsed, falling onto the crowd below and triggering the fatal stampede. Several deaths resulted from suffocation and crush injuries.

Police intervened with a lathi-charge to restore order, and many who fainted were rushed to the Karur government hospital.

The death toll rose to 41 on Monday, after a 60-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries.

Has the police filed case against Vijay?

The police have not filed any case against Vijay himself. However, an FIR has been registered against three key TVK functionaries: Karur North district secretary Mathiazhagan, state general secretary Bussy Anand, and deputy general secretary Nirmal Kumar. They face charges under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 125 (endangering life of others), and 223 (disobedience to order) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Preventing of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.

A TVK source revealed that Vijay has been advised by the police not to visit the government hospital treating the victims due to the sensitive law and order situation. “Initially, he had planned to visit the injured and console them, but was informed that his presence might cause further crowding,” a senior party leader said.

The state government has set up a one-person enquiry commission, led by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, to investigate the incident. The judge has visited patients at the government hospital and is expected to submit a detailed report once the probe is complete.

Chief Minister M K Stalin, who visited the victims, announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to each affected family and assured appropriate action based on the commission’s findings. Police protection at the hospital has been increased to maintain order.