The devastating Karur stampede during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay's rally on September 27, 2025, has claimed 41 lives, plunging Tamil Nadu into mourning and sparking fierce allegations of a conspiracy against Vijay. TVK's legal team, led by lawyer Arivazhagan, has filed a petition in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, claiming the tragedy stemmed from police negligence and a deliberate plot to sabotage the event. As the death toll rises-with a 60-year-old woman, Suguna, succumbing to injuries-the party insists only an impartial CBI probe can uncover the truth behind the chaos that injured over 100 others.
Vijay, the actor-turned-politician and TVK president, expressed profound grief on social media, announcing ₹20 lakh aid for each deceased family and ₹2 lakh for the injured. The rally in Karur, meant to energize supporters ahead of TVK's political push, turned horrific when crowds surged amid poor planning and alleged disruptions. With opposition leaders like BJP's K. Annamalai echoing calls for a CBI investigation, the incident has ignited a political firestorm, questioning security lapses and potential foul play in this Vijay rally stampede.
The rally at Veluchamipuram in Karur was permitted for 10,000 attendees, but estimates suggest over 25,000 gathered, far exceeding capacity. Vijay's delayed arrival-reaching around 7 PM after a roadshow-exacerbated overcrowding as supporters from his convoy joined the waiting crowd. Witnesses reported fainting due to dehydration and restlessness, with several collapsing near his vehicle. The surge toward stage barricades around 7:40 PM triggered the crush, leading to suffocation and injuries.
TVK alleges the chaos was no accident: mysterious individuals hurled shoes and stones at workers, prompting a police baton charge that panicked the masses. Lawyer Arivazhagan highlighted inadequate police deployment, failure to provide drinking water despite arrangements, and suspicious pre-positioned ambulances as signs of orchestration. Postmortems revealed suffocation as the primary cause, fueling demands for transparency in this TVK Karur rally tragedy.
TVK's narrative paints a picture of sabotage: during Vijay's speech, unidentified assailants allegedly threw shoes, inciting chaos. The subsequent police lathi charge on TVK workers, claim party sources, directly caused the stampede. Arivazhagan accused authorities of complicity, noting the illegal nighttime autopsies on victims and efforts to tamper with evidence like drinking water provisions. He questioned why ambulances were stationed prematurely, suggesting premeditation.
The lawyer emphasized police dereliction: despite requests, security was minimal compared to prior events at the same venue. TVK general secretary Bussy Anand echoed this, filing the petition on behalf of executive Aadhav Arjuna. As the conspiracy against Vijay TVK gains traction on social media, it underscores rising tensions ahead of Tamil Nadu's political battles.
In a bold move, TVK approached the Madurai High Court on September 29, 2025, demanding a CBI-led investigation to expose the "orchestrated attack" on Vijay. The petition, filed by Aadhav Arjuna, seeks preservation of CCTV footage and protection for Vijay to visit victims. Arivazhagan told reporters the truth is being buried, with goons and biased police colluding to frame TVK.
The hearing, delayed due to a court holiday, is rescheduled, but the plea highlights systemic failures. PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss and BJP's Annamalai have backed the CBI call, criticizing the state's one-man commission under Justice Aruna Jagadeesan as inadequate. This CBI investigation Karur stampede push could reshape TVK's campaign narrative.
The tragedy has drawn sharp criticism: AIADMK's Edappadi K. Palaniswami blamed the DMK government for inadequate safety, visiting Karur Government Hospital to console families. BJP's Nainar Nagenthran demanded a Supreme Court probe, alleging bias in opposition event security. Even Rajinikanth and President Droupadi Murmu offered condolences, with PM Modi announcing ₹2 lakh ex-gratia.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited Karur, announcing ₹10 lakh compensation and the inquiry commission. However, TVK rejects this, insisting on CBI neutrality amid claims of power cuts and venue unsuitability. The FIR against TVK leaders like Bussy Anand for violating norms adds fuel, portraying it as a cover-up in this Vijay TVK conspiracy.
Vijay, wracked with sorrow, stated on X: "Unbearable pain... words cannot express." He committed financial support and urged unbiased policing. From Chennai, he monitored relief efforts, with TVK cadres aiding families at Karur Medical College Hospital.
A bomb threat to his residence prompted a squad search, heightening security concerns. Despite FIRs, Vijay vows to fight on, using the Karur rally tragedy to rally supporters against perceived persecution.
This incident exposes rally vulnerabilities in Tamil Nadu, where massive turnouts for stars like Vijay strain resources. Comparisons to AIADMK's uneventful event at the same spot highlight alleged disparities. KPCC's Sunny Joseph called it a "lesson" in crowd management, urging experienced handling.
As TVK gains momentum post its 2024 launch, the stampede could either derail or galvanize its anti-corruption stance. With elections looming, demands for uniform security protocols grow, potentially leading to reforms.
Helplines buzz with inquiries, as families flock to hospitals. Volunteers distribute essentials, while social media floods with #JusticeForKarur. Governor R.N. Ravi and leaders like Rahul Gandhi extended solidarity, amplifying the call for accountability.
Vijay's aid package, alongside state compensation, offers solace, but grief lingers. The TVK stampede CBI demand resonates, symbolizing a fight for truth in politics.
Ultimately, the Karur tragedy tests Tamil Nadu's democratic fabric. As TVK persists, the CBI plea could unearth layers of intrigue, honoring the 41 lost by ensuring no repeat. Vijay's resolve mirrors the people's unyielding spirit.
Looking forward, enhanced guidelines may emerge, but for now, the focus remains on healing and justice in this shadowed chapter of TVK's rise.
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