Vijay's TVK Party Arranges Meeting with Karur Stampede Victims' Families Amid Ongoing Investigation

Chennai:

South superstar Vijay's Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party has identified two potential venues in Karur for his planned meeting with families of those who died in the stampede at his rally last month, party sources have informed NDTV. TVK has assured authorities that the event will strictly adhere to all conditions imposed by the police, according to these sources.

"The meeting will be private and limited to select workers and family members of the victims. The police are attempting to place all responsibility on us. We're committed to complying with all conditions, but they must ensure security," a senior party official stated.

Tamil Nadu Police and TVK sources indicated that the party has been instructed to coordinate directly with Karur police for necessary permissions and arrangements.

The meeting date remains unconfirmed. This follows the tragic stampede at Vijay's Karur rally that claimed 41 lives, including women and children. The actor has been consoling bereaved families through video calls, expressing that he was "deeply shattered" by the tragedy. He has promised to meet the families personally.

The actor-politician has also announced financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh for each victim's family and Rs 2 lakh for those injured.

In a previous video statement, Vijay explained that he chose not to remain in Karur after the tragedy to prevent tensions and avoid the situation becoming volatile.

His explanation came after police blamed his TVK party for the tragedy. Authorities highlighted several lapses following the incident. They alleged that Vijay's seven-hour delayed arrival and an unplanned roadshow created chaos, suggesting the party attempted to use the crowds as a display of political strength.

TVK has rejected these allegations, maintaining there were no violations. They accused the ruling DMK of conspiring to tarnish Vijay's reputation and blamed police mismanagement, particularly traffic control failures, for causing the delay. The ruling DMK has denied these counter-allegations.

The Madras High Court recently dismissed a petition requesting a CBI investigation into the incident, noting that the state police investigation remains in early stages. TVK has subsequently approached the Supreme Court, requesting an independent inquiry by a retired Supreme Court judge.

Two TVK functionaries have been arrested thus far, including the party's Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan, who had requested police permission for the rally. Authorities are searching for two additional officials, including party General Secretary Bussy Anand and Deputy General Secretary Nirmal Kumar.