‘Action based on committee report’: CM Stalin on arresting Vijay for Karur stampede

by

Karur: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, visiting Karur after the stampede that killed 39 people at a rally of actor-politician Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), stated that any action, including potential arrest, would be taken based on the report of the one-person commission headed by retired High Court Judge Aruna Jagatheesan. The Chief Minister, who cut short his schedule to visit the site overnight, provided a detailed breakdown of the casualties—13 men, 17 women, 4 boys, and 5 girls—with 51 others still receiving treatment. He emotionally addressed the media, emphasizing that such a tragedy at a political meeting was unprecedented and should never recur.

Stalin recounted receiving the news at 7:45 PM on Saturday while in Chennai and immediately directing ministers and officials to respond. “I cannot describe the terrible tragedy,” he said, visibly moved. “A tragic incident in which so many people were killed in a meeting organized by a political party has never happened before.” When pressed by reporters on whether Vijay would be arrested, Stalin reiterated, “I do not want to answer your questions with political motives. We have formed a committee… Appropriate action will be taken based on the report of the commission.”

Swift Response and Heartbreak

The Chief Minister detailed the state’s rapid response, mobilizing officials and medical teams from neighbouring districts to manage the crisis. He expressed his personal anguish, noting that after seeing the “horrific scenes” on television, he could not remain in Chennai and departed for Karur at 1 AM. His voice trembled as he spoke of the victims, particularly the children, and he tearfully acknowledged the impossibility of consoling the grieving families adequately.

Focus on Investigation Over Immediate Action

Stalin’s emphasis on awaiting the judicial commission’s findings signals a cautious, procedure-oriented approach, avoiding immediate punitive measures against TVK or its leader. The formation of the commission under Justice Aruna Jagatheesan underscores the government’s intent to investigate systemic and organizational failures behind the stampede. With the death toll at 39 and many critically injured, the incident has triggered a state wide reckoning on public safety at political events.