Vijay seeks permission to visit Karur after making video call to families

Karur: Hours after connecting with the families of the Karur stampede victims via WhatsApp video calls, actor-turned-politician Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has formally sought permission from the police to visit the bereaved families in person.

In an email addressed to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP), Vijay expressed his desire to personally offer condolences to those affected by the tragedy. The development follows his virtual interactions on Tuesday, during which he assured the families of his support and comforted one grieving mother by saying, “I am like your son.”

The TVK leader has faced criticism from certain quarters for not having visited the families sooner. Earlier reports had been unclear on whether Vijay would make a personal visit, with sources indicating that he had instructed party members to reach out to the victims’ families on his behalf.

The stampede occurred on September 27 during Vijay’s political rally in Karur, resulting in 41 deaths and over 60 injuries. Authorities noted that around 27,000 people attended the event, almost three times the expected crowd of 10,000. Police also criticised Vijay for a seven-hour delay in arriving at the venue, which they said contributed to the chaos.

TVK seeks independent investigation

Meanwhile, TVK has approached the Supreme Court, seeking an impartial investigation into the tragedy led by a former top-court judge. The plea challenges the Madras High Court’s October 3 order establishing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) composed solely of senior Tamil Nadu Police officers.