Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday said the stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur was caused by people jostling to see him. Officials stated that when Vijay’s vehicle entered the designated spot, the crowd surged, forcing many to squeeze through sideways.

Authorities explained that people had gathered since morning and the crowd continued to swell through the afternoon. This led to dehydration and exhaustion among participants. Video clips released by the government showed people suffocating and being moved into ambulances.

The state emphasised that proper procedure was followed during postmortems, noting that delays could cause anxiety for families. At the same time, it released footage highlighting violations of norms at Vijay’s Karur rally, adding that the turnout had more than doubled, creating hardships for attendees.

Presenting its case with visuals, a team led by government spokesperson and senior IAS officer P Amutha, Health Secretary Senthil Kumar and ADGP Law and Order S Davidson Devasirvatham briefed reporters at the Secretariat. They released footage showing TVK cadres climbing on roofs in both Namakkal and Karur.

Govt response to Vijay’s remarks

The government’s move came after Vijay, founder of the Tamil Viduthalai Katchi (TVK), addressed the public on social media. He explained why he had not visited the victims and raised a conspiracy theory.

"I didn't visit Karur as it would lead to an unusual situation. I will meet you (families of victims, the injured) soon," he said in a video message.

The actor-politician insisted he had done nothing wrong and promised that the truth behind the tragedy would emerge. "I have never faced such a painful situation in my life," he added.

Defending party colleagues and hinting at political conspiracy

Challenging Chief Minister M K Stalin, Vijay said the CM could "do anything to me" but not his party colleagues, who are facing police cases in connection with the September 27 stampede. Senior leaders Bussy N Anand and C T R Nirmal Kumar are among those booked under sections including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and endangering life of others.

On the day of the incident, Vijay said he had left Karur hastily to ensure public safety. "I did not do any wrong; my political journey will continue with renewed vigour," he said.

He also addressed allegations of poor security arrangements by the TVK. "We did not do anything wrong. But they are filing FIRs against party leaders, friends, and social media users," Vijay stated.

Hinting at a political conspiracy, he asked why the tragedy occurred only in Karur, despite campaigning in five districts. "People know the truth, and they are watching everything," he said.

Expressing anguish over victims’ suffering

Vijay expressed his sympathy for the victims' families: "All of us are affected at that time. I know that many families are suffering. I hope everyone gets well soon. I will meet all of you as soon as possible."

He also reflected on the emotional toll of the incident: "I have not faced a painful situation like this in my life. My heart aches. Only pain in my heart. I am always grateful for the love and affection people have on me."

Legal action: TVK functionaries have been booked under Sections 105, 110, 125, and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992. The FIR alleges Vijay deliberately arrived late at Velusamypuram, contributing to overcrowding and restlessness among attendees.