Karur, Tamil Nadu – Amidst the ongoing investigation into the tragic stampede that claimed 41 lives during actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur on September 27, Tamil Nadu police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the driver of Vijay's campaign bus for rash driving. This action follows strong criticism from the Madras High Court regarding the lack of action in response to hit-and-run incidents allegedly involving Vijay's convoy during the event.
The Madras High Court had earlier questioned why no FIR was filed concerning the accidents where the bus carrying Vijay was reportedly involved in collisions with motorcycles. The court noted that video footage showed the driver fleeing the scene after the accidents. Taking cognizance of the situation, the police have now charged the driver under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses rash driving or riding on a public way that endangers human life. Inspector RS Om Prakash confirmed the registration of the case. While the specific details of the hit-and-run incidents are still under investigation, police officials stated that Section 281 also covers aspects related to hit-and-run cases.
The September 27 rally in Karur's Velusamypuram, organized by Vijay's political party, Thamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), witnessed a massive turnout, with estimates suggesting a crowd size exceeding the permitted limit of 10,000. The incident occurred as crowds surged towards Vijay's convoy, which was significantly delayed, in an attempt to get a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician. The resulting chaos led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of 41 people and injuries to over 60 others.
The Madras High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the events that transpired, criticizing both Vijay and the TVK leadership for a lack of remorse and responsibility. Justice N. Senthilkumar questioned the nature of TVK as a political party, pointing out that the leaders "vanished" from the scene after the tragedy, without taking responsibility. The court also raised concerns about the government's leniency towards TVK.
In response to the High Court's concerns, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the Karur stampede. Headed by Inspector General Asra Garg, the SIT has commenced its investigation, inspecting the rally site at Velusamypuram. The SIT aims to determine the factors that contributed to the tragedy and establish responsibility at all levels.
In addition to the FIR against the driver and the ongoing SIT investigation, police have intensified their crackdown on TVK leaders. Two special police teams have been formed to arrest N. Satish Kumar, the Namakkal district secretary of TVK, who is wanted for vandalism during Vijay's campaign stop in Namakkal. TVK Karur district secretary Mathiyazhagan has already been arrested and remanded to judicial custody for allegedly failing to enforce safety measures during the rally. The court has also rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of TVK general secretary Bussy N Anand and joint secretary C T R Nirmal Kumar.
