TVK Leader N Anand Charged with Culpable Homicide After Fatal Stampede at Vijay's Rally in Tamil Nadu

N Anand, the general secretary of TVK and a close associate of party leader Vijay, has been implicated in a police case following a tragic incident.

Chennai:

Following a devastating stampede at a rally in Karur that resulted in 40 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries, two senior leaders from actor-politician Vijay's TVK party have been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

N Anand, commonly referred to as Bussy Anand due to his previous representation of the Bussy constituency in the Puducherry Assembly, serves as TVK's general secretary and is considered the second-in-command of the party. As a former MLA from Puducherry, he maintains significant influence within the organization.

The police have also named several other individuals in the case, including TVK joint general secretary CT Nirmal Kumar, the party's Karur West district secretary Mathiyazhagan, and three additional persons.

The charges against the accused include sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash or negligent conduct endangering human lives, and disobedience of orders issued by public servants. Additional charges have been filed under the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act.

The DMK-led government has criticized the actor-politician, claiming that safety protocols were breached during the rally, which contributed to the tragedy. Government sources have indicated that the organizers failed to provide adequate arrangements for water and food, resulting in attendees fainting.

According to sources, Vijay arrived at the venue approximately seven hours behind schedule. Despite people gathering since noon, the actor only appeared after 7 pm. His arrival reportedly brought an additional crowd into the already congested venue.

Government officials stated that supporters disregarded police guidelines by following Vijay's vehicle to approach the location.

Sources further revealed that even as individuals collapsed during Vijay's speech, the address continued without interruption, and emergency vehicles were prevented from entering the premises. After concluding the rally, Vijay reportedly departed for Trichy airport before flying to Chennai on a private aircraft.

A legal representative for TVK has emphasized that the party adhered to all police guidelines during the event. The advocate mentioned that Vijay has been deeply affected by the tragedy and holds genuine affection for the people of Tamil Nadu.