Vijay demands CBI probe after 40 killed in Karur stampede, High Court hearing today

A stampede broke out at actor-turned-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. The death toll has reached 40, with over 60 injured. Vijay's rally has proven fatal for many. This incident has sparked a wave of accusations.

Indeed, following the incident in Karur on Saturday, Vijay's party, TVK, has intensified its demand for a CBI investigation. The BJP has also targeted the DMK government for the incident, accusing the state government of gross negligence. Let us tell you what has happened so far in this incident...

Following the stampede at the Karur rally, a case has been filed against key associates of Vijay. Meanwhile, the Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) has approached the Madras High Court demanding an independent investigation into the incident. TVK alleges that a deep-rooted conspiracy may be behind the incident. A state-appointed judicial commission has also begun investigating the incident.

Police have registered cases against TVK leaders Mathiyazhagan, Bussy Anand, and CT Nirmal Kumar under the Indian Penal Code for attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash or negligent act endangering life, disobedience to lawful orders, and violation of the Tamil Nadu Damage to Public Property Act.

The TVK, led by Vijay, has approached the Madras High Court, demanding a CBI investigation into the stampede. The party even claimed that a sudden power outage and stone pelting triggered the stampede. The case will be heard in the High Court today. Meanwhile, BJP leader Annamalai has also demanded a CBI investigation, citing lapses on the part of the police and administration.

Forty people have lost their lives in the incident, and over 100 are injured. Vijay announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

Vijay had planned to visit Karur on Sunday, but citing security concerns following the recent stampede, the government urged him not to visit the site of the stampede and warned that his presence could raise law and order concerns.

Refuting Vijay's party's allegations, the Tamil Nadu police stated that no incidents of lathicharge or stone-pelting occurred. Police stated that the party leadership disregarded official instructions during the Karur rally.

Regarding the Karur incident, the police stated that the crowd became unruly as soon as Vijay arrived.

The crowd surged forward to see Vijay, making it difficult to control the youth and other attendees.

The state's DMK government formed an inquiry committee headed by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident. The commission immediately began investigating the matter.

Those killed in the accident included ten children, 17 women, and 13 men. Eyewitnesses and officials said the stampede was exacerbated by the crowd exceeding the 10,000-person limit set for the rally.

Amidst this entire incident, reports also emerged that Vijay's house had received a bomb threat. However, in light of the incident and public reaction, security at Vijay's house was increased.