Vijay rally tragedy: TVK Karur secretary booked over violations of safety protocols

The Karur Town Police has registered a case against V P Mathiyazhagan, the Karur West district secretary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in connection with the deadly stampede at a campaign rally led by party president and actor Vijay. The incident, which took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 39 people and left 83 others injured.

According to police sources, the case has been filed under Sections 109, 110, 125(b) and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing violations of safety protocols during the event held at Velusamypuram. Authorities confirmed that Mathiyazhagan is currently the only individual named in the FIR, while the investigation into the tragic event remains ongoing.
 

The public meeting commenced at 7.20 pm and drew thousands of attendees, many of whom had gathered on narrow and overcrowded streets since early morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of Vijay. As his vehicle approached, a surge occurred as the crowd—predominantly youth—moved en masse to see him. People who had been waiting in place since 10 am were pushed by the growing crowd, and with limited space to maneuver, panic spread, resulting in a deadly stampede.

In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced ex gratia payments of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to those who sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospitals. He also declared that a commission led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan will be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the stampede.