By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Karur: Karur in Tamil Nadu witnessed a horrific tragedy on Saturday when a stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally claimed the lives of 39 people and left 95 others injured. The stampede occurred during a massive public meeting organised by TVK, the political party led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P. Senthil Kumar confirmed the death toll while addressing the media. “A total of 95 people have been admitted to the hospital. Fifty-one are admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital. Except for one, the others are stable. Specialised doctors are looking after them. The remaining 44 are admitted to private hospitals. Thirty-nine people have lost their lives,” he said.
Investigation initiated
Law and Order Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S. Davidson Devasirvatham informed that a case has been registered and preliminary investigations are underway. “We will have to get the preliminary investigation done. Thirty-nine people have lost their lives. A case has been registered,” he told reporters.
The police have begun gathering eyewitness accounts and reviewing permissions granted for the rally. Investigators are also looking into whether lapses in crowd management and safety arrangements contributed to the tragedy.
Allegations of negligence
Supreme Court advocate G.S. Mani has filed a complaint demanding strict action against TVK chief Vijay and party functionaries. In his submission, he accused the organisers and officials of gross negligence, absence of safety protocols, overcrowding, and dereliction of duty in granting permission and ensuring public safety.
He further warned of a potential cover-up if the matter is investigated only through routine police mechanisms, citing the political influence of those involved. Mani has requested registration of an FIR under Sections 105, 106, 61(2), 270, 280 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the Disaster Management Act and relevant Police Acts. He demanded an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by retired judges of the Madras High Court.
Government response
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a one-person commission to enquire into the stampede. The commission will investigate the causes of the incident, identify lapses, and recommend measures to prevent such tragedies in future.
District Collector of Karur has also set up emergency helplines to assist families of victims. In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), the Collector’s office shared contact details: “Contact numbers for the District Collector’s Office Emergency Help Centre to get details about the victims of the unexpected accident that occurred in Karur — DOT 04324 256306, WhatsApp 7010806322.”
Public outrage and safety concerns
The incident has triggered widespread shock and anger across Tamil Nadu, with citizens questioning how such a large gathering was allowed without adequate safety protocols. Political observers noted that rallies involving high-profile leaders often attract huge crowds, and proper crowd control mechanisms are critical to avoiding disasters.
Civil rights activists have called for accountability from both the organisers and government authorities who granted permission for the event. The demand for an SIT probe indicates growing public concern over whether a fair investigation will take place.
The Karur stampede has left a deep scar on Tamil Nadu’s political and social landscape. With 39 lives lost and nearly a hundred people injured, the tragedy has underlined the urgent need for stricter enforcement of crowd safety measures at public gatherings. While investigations continue, the focus remains on providing relief to victims and ensuring such incidents are never repeated.
