Police File Cases Against TVK Leaders Following Karur Rally Tragedy

Karur, Tamil Nadu: Police have filed cases against leaders of the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) following the tragic stampede at a political rally led by the party’s president and actor Vijay in Karur.

The Karur West TVK secretary and several state-level leaders, including General Secretary Busi Anand and Joint Secretary Nirmal Kumar, have been booked under charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and attempt to commit culpable homicide.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, TVK president Vijay announced financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured, and directed party workers to support affected families. He has also suspended his state tour amid indications that the court may take strict action. The party plans to inform the court about the incident and seek an independent investigation.

TVK lawyer Arivazhagan told NDTV that the party has petitioned the Madras High Court to either form a Special Investigation Team or transfer the case to the CBI. He rejected the state government’s claims that safety guidelines were violated at the Karur rally. Arivazhagan, who also serves as the state coordinator of TVK’s legal wing, said the matter will be raised before the Madurai bench of the High Court tomorrow