CHENNAI, Sep 28: As the death toll in the horrific stampede at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay’s rally in Karur climbed to 40, including 10 children and 17 women, a political blame game has erupted between the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK, while the TVK has sought judicial intervention.
The TVK moved the Madras High Court, urging it to take suo motu cognisance and order a probe either by the CBI or a court monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) clashed over responsibility for the tragedy.
EPS blamed the state government and police for glaring lapses, citing inadequate security arrangements, narrow rally routes, and reduced police deployment.
“There is clear evidence of a security lapse. Media reports suggest the stampede followed confusion during a power disruption. People attend rallies trusting the party, police, and government to ensure their safety. The police are using double standards, one for the ruling party and another for the opposition. Such a tragedy could have been avoided,” EPS said after visiting victims at Karur Government Medical College Hospital.
Subramanian, in turn, accused EPS of fostering a culture of indiscipline at rallies, alleging that he had previously encouraged hostility toward ambulances crossing rally routes.
He further charged that the TVK ignored crowd-control conditions imposed by police.
“This tragedy is the direct result of the TVK not adhering to regulations,” he said.
Meanwhile, a grief-stricken Vijay cancelled his weekend campaign and announced compensation.
“I am at a loss for words to express the pain my heart endures. This is an irreparable loss. Still, as a member of your family, I will provide Rs. 20 lakh to each bereaved family and Rs. 2 lakh to the injured. Though no amount can compensate for such a loss, it is my duty to stand by you,” he posted on X.
Facing mounting criticism, the TVK is under pressure after police registered a case against party general secretary Bussy N. Anand and three others.
A team of TVK advocates, led by CTR Nirmal Kumar, met Justice M. Dhandapani at his residence to press for judicial action.
The matter is expected to be taken up by the Madurai Bench by tomorrow.
Separately, Justice N. Senthil Kumar admitted a plea filed by an injured victim.
(UNI)
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