Unsuitable Venues, Power Cuts: TVK Alleges ‘Conspiracy’, Seeks CBI Probe Into Karur Stampede
Actor-politician Vijay’s party, the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), moved the Madras High Court on Sunday, demanding a CBI investigation into the horrific Karur rally stampede that killed 41 people. Alleging a deliberate “conspiracy” by the state government, the party has claimed that administrative lapses, including the allotment of an unsuitable venue, repeated power cuts, and the infiltration of “goondas” who pelted stones, led to the tragedy.
In a plea filed before the Madurai bench, the TVK contended that the Tamil Nadu Police cannot conduct an impartial probe and sought an immediate transfer of the investigation to the CBI. The petition alleges that the narrow venue, coupled with a police lathi-charge on innocent attendees and the chaotic movement of ambulances, exacerbated the panic and contributed to the deadly stampede on Saturday.
The party is also seeking a court injunction to allow Vijay and its members to visit the victims’ families without any obstruction from the state machinery.The demands for a central agency probe were echoed by former AIADMK leader VK Sasikala, who stated that only a CBI inquiry could uncover the truth.
Meanwhile, Karur police have booked three senior TVK functionaries, including the party’s general secretary, under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Eyewitness accounts and police reports point to severe overcrowding, with as many as 60,000 people gathering at a venue with permission for only 10,000, and Vijay’s six-hour delayed arrival as key factors that led to the crowd becoming uncontrollable.
The state has been in mourning since the tragedy, with shops and commercial establishments in Karur remaining closed on Sunday as a mark of respect. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited the injured and announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, while the Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh. Vijay’s party has also pledged Rs 20 lakh to the families of each of the deceased
