41 Dead in Tamil Nadu Stampede: TVK Official Arrested Following Vijay Rally Tragedy

The stampede occurred when a crowd exceeding 25,000 people gathered at the venue in Karur.

Forty-eight hours after a deadly stampede in Tamil Nadu's Karur that claimed 41 lives at actor-politician Vijay's rally, police have arrested Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan for lapses that resulted in the tragedy.

Police previously booked him under provisions including attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering public safety. Cases have also been filed against TVK's General Secretary Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Sekar.

According to the police complaint FIR, Vijay himself has been named for deliberate actions allegedly contributing to 11 deaths during the chaotic event. The complaint alleges Vijay intentionally delayed his appearance at the rally by nearly four hours after arriving in the district to demonstrate political influence, causing restlessness and uncontrollable movements in the massive crowd.

The FIR additionally states that Vijay conducted an unauthorized roadshow, violating conditions established by authorities, and created "unnecessary expectations" among party supporters. Police have also accused other senior TVK leaders of disregarding repeated warnings.

The stampede transpired on Saturday when a crowd of over 25,000 people - more than double the anticipated 10,000 - assembled at the venue. With thousands waiting for extended periods without sufficient food or water in the intense heat, many reportedly weakened. As crowds pushed forward, supporters broke through barricades and climbed onto a tin shed and trees, which collapsed, causing dozens to fall and triggering widespread panic.

Of the 41 victims, hospital records confirm at least 10 were children and 18 were women.

Traffic disruption and public inconvenience were also documented in the FIR, which accuses TVK of hosting a reception for Vijay contrary to official guidelines.

The arrests and police action occur as TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna approached the Madras High Court requesting a CBI investigation into the stampede and seeking direction to prevent the state government from blocking Vijay's visits to victims' families. TVK has alleged a conspiracy by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), an accusation firmly denied by the government.

Questions are also emerging about police responsibility regarding inadequate force deployment, insufficient crowd control measures, and underestimation of attendance numbers.

Vijay expressed being "shattered and in inexplicable pain" over the tragedy. He announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured, while hoping for the rapid recovery of survivors.