Tamil Nadu Police Blame TVK for Karur Rally Stampede

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Police have told the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that serious organisational lapses by actor Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led to the stampede during a political rally in Karur that claimed several lives.

In a statement submitted to the CBI, the police said the rally was poorly organised and that the party leadership failed to manage the crowd effectively. The turnout was far higher than anticipated, but TVK did not take adequate steps to strengthen security arrangements. Police officials said party office-bearers had not informed them about the likelihood of such a large gathering.

More than 30,000 people attended the rally, which the police said directly contributed to the chaos. The statement also noted that Vijay’s delayed arrival at the venue led to growing impatience among the crowd, further aggravating the situation. Based on the police submission, the CBI is expected to seek additional clarification from Vijay.

TVK leaders, meanwhile, have accused the ruling DMK government and the police of targeting the party deliberately. They have demanded a neutral investigation, alleging that the accusations are intended to divert attention from the government’s own failures.

Vijay is currently listed as a witness in the case. He appeared at the CBI headquarters in New Delhi on Monday for a second round of questioning, which is ongoing. He had earlier been questioned once as part of the investigation.

According to sources, the CBI is not satisfied with Vijay’s responses, including his explanation for the delay in reaching the rally venue. Sources said the agency is considering naming Vijay as an accused, with charges likely to include culpable homicide not amounting to murder. A charge sheet is expected to be filed in February.