Chennai: The single-member judicial commission led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, appointed by the Tamil Nadu government, began its inquiry on Sunday into the tragic stampede at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s political rally in Karur’s Velusamipuram. The incident on September 27 claimed 40 lives, leaving over 60 others hospitalised. At least two people remain in critical condition, officials confirmed.

With criticism mounting, Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam petitioned the Madras High Court Madurai Bench, demanding either a CBI investigation or an independent probe

. TVK deputy general secretary Nirmal Kumar told reporters that the party had approached the court with a plea for “an impartial inquiry”, while stopping short of alleging conspiracy.

Vijay expresses grief, announces compensation

Vijay, who faced strong reactions following the stampede, expressed “profound grief” over the deaths. The TVK leader also announced compensation of ₹20 lakh each for the families of the victims.

Case registered, forensic team on site

Karur police filed a case against TVK office-bearers under provisions relating to negligence. Forensic experts launched an investigation at several spots, including a sewer where bodies were allegedly found. Shops, traders, and commercial establishments in Karur remained shut as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives.

Casualties include children

Authorities confirmed that among the deceased were 10 children including five boys and five girls, along with 17 women and 13 men. The youngest victim was a two-year-old boy. A 28-year-old woman and her two young daughters, a 24-year-old man, and a 24-year-old woman who were soon to be married were also among the victims.

Commission visits hospital and venue

Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, heading the Commission of Inquiry, visited a hospital in Karur, met with survivors, inspected the site of the stampede, and held discussions with officials.

Government and police response

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P. Senthil Kumar said that two patients remained critical, while all others were stable.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, when asked about the possibility of Vijay’s arrest, stated that any action “would be based on the report of the inquiry panel” and added that he was not inclined to make any politically motivated remarks.

Protests and court plea

A Tamil students’ organisation staged a protest outside Vijay’s Chennai residence. Meanwhile, a stampede survivor filed a plea in the High Court requesting that Tamil Nadu’s Director General of Police be barred from granting permission for any future public meetings by Vijay until the ongoing investigation is completed and accountability is fixed.

Opposition leaders blame police, administration

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticised the police and administration, accusing them of failing to prevent the disaster by making proper arrangements. BJP leader K. Annamalai held the state government responsible for choosing the rally venue and the limited strength of police personnel deployed. He demanded that Vijay stop weekend campaign trips to avoid overcrowding and called for strong action against the district collector and police superintendent. Annamalai also urged a CBI investigation.

Crowd control and police version

Police said the tragedy was triggered by an unexpectedly large turnout. They noted that thousands of people had gathered well beyond the anticipated number to see the actor, worsened by a delay in his arrival and the lack of food and water in the heat.

ADGP (Law and Order) S. Davidson Devasirvatham stated that around 500 police personnel had been deployed and asserted that “proper police bandobust was provided”. He dismissed rumours of stone pelting during the rally.

Vijay’s vehicle stopped short of venue

Officials explained that when Vijay’s campaign vehicle was 50 metres from the designated spot, a DSP-ranked officer instructed him to stop there and address the crowd. However, the organisers reportedly refused to cooperate and insisted on moving to the original venue.

Relief measures

Karur district collector M. Thangavel said the administration set up multiple control rooms at the Government Medical College Hospital to provide immediate assistance to victims.

Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation’s Chief Engineer, C. Rajalakshmi, denied that there had been any suspension of electricity supply during the rally.

(Agency inputs)