Karur: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin interacts with the people rescued from the recent rally crowd tragedy and receiving treatment at Karur Government Hospital, in Karur on Sunday, September 28, 2025. (Photo: IANS/X/@CMOTamilnadu)
Chennai, September 28 (IANS) In the wake of the deadly stampede at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur, where the toll has risen to 40, the party has approached the Madras High Court seeking an independent and transparent investigation into the tragedy.
TVK Deputy General Secretary C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said on Sunday that the party’s plea has been listed for urgent hearing before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday at 2.15 p.m.
"Our petition seeking an impartial and transparent probe into the Karur tragedy will be taken up for hearing before the Madurai Bench tomorrow afternoon," Nirmal Kumar told reporters.
Earlier, a team of TVK lawyers led by Nirmal Kumar visited the residence of Justice M. Dhandapani to make an urgent mention, urging judicial intervention to ensure justice for the victims.
The team requested that the court direct an independent inquiry, citing the scale of the incident and the need for accountability in crowd management and safety arrangements.
The stampede occurred late Saturday evening during Vijay’s mass outreach rally at Velusamypuram in Karur.
Thousands had gathered since morning under intense heat, with limited food, water, and medical support. When Vijay’s arrival was delayed - he reached the venue around 7.40 p.m., though the party’s social media had hinted at an early appearance — sections of the crowd surged forward, triggering chaos. Victims were trampled and suffocated in the dense, narrow lanes leading to the venue. Nine of the dead were children; most of the others were women. Over 60 remain under treatment at government and private hospitals.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who rushed to Karur past midnight, expressed deep anguish and said such a tragedy should never happen again. He announced that a judicial commission led by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will probe the incident thoroughly.
Stalin also declared Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the injured.
Leader of Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami visited the injured and accused the state of serious lapses in security planning. "Proper crowd control and safety protocols were ignored. This is a man-made disaster," he charged, urging the government to fix accountability.
With the death toll climbing and public anger intensifying, the coming days are expected to see sharper political confrontation even as the judiciary steps in to determine responsibility for one of Tamil Nadu’s worst public tragedies in recent memory.
Mohanlal, Mammootty & other mourn the loss of lives at the Karur stampede
The unfortunate stampede incident, which took place during the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally organised by actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay at Karur, Tamil Nadu, has left a wave of shock across the entire country.
If the reports are to be believed, more than 35 people, including children, lost their lives at the political rally, leaving several others injured.
Mollywood heartthrob, Mammootty, penned on his X (earlier known as Twitter) handle, "Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Karur. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing strength and a speedy recovery to those injured. (sic)"
Superstar Mohanlal added, "Heartfelt prayers for the families who lost loved ones in the tragic Karur stampede. Wishing strength and a speedy recovery to the injured."
Manoj Manju wrote on the micro-blogging site, "My heart is shattered. This is a pain beyond words..It is deeply disturbing and unfortunate that so many innocent lives, including those of children, were lost... My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Praying for a speedy recovery to those who are injured."
Hours after the horrific incident took place, Vijay dropped a late-night post on X. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief said, “My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. Deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur.”
“I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” Vijay added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief with a social media post on X.
"The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured," the PM shared.
