TVK Official Arrested for Derogatory Comments Against Madras High Court Judge in Karur Stampede Case

A local court has placed TVK leader Nirmal Kumar in judicial custody for a two-week period following his arrest.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) official Nirmal Kumar has been taken into custody for allegedly making disrespectful comments about a Madras High Court judge regarding recent rulings connected to the Karur stampede incident that resulted in 41 fatalities. A local court has ordered his judicial remand for two weeks.

A high-ranking police official confirmed to NDTV, "Yes, we have arrested and secured his remand. The investigation continues."

Investigators report that the TVK leader allegedly shared derogatory remarks and an image on social media criticizing the Judge's observations about the tragedy. The Madras High Court recently established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg to investigate the stampede.

The court also made pointed observations about TVK Chief and actor Vijay not visiting the victims' families, which prompted the party to appeal to the Supreme Court challenging the order. The TVK requested a CBI investigation instead, describing the court's comments as "politically damaging."

To date, two TVK officials have been arrested, including Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan, who had secured police permission for the rally. Police are also searching for TVK General Secretary (Organisation) Bussy Anand, whose anticipatory bail applications were rejected by the High Court.

Law enforcement has attributed responsibility for the tragedy to the TVK, citing alleged violations including Vijay's seven-hour delayed arrival that caused a massive crowd surge, and using the rally to demonstrate the party's political influence. The TVK has denied these accusations, instead claiming the ruling DMK orchestrated a political conspiracy and blaming police for "failing to manage the crowd and ensure public safety."

The DMK has firmly rejected these allegations.