Police in Karur have initiated legal proceedings against key figures of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) following a devastating stampede at a recent party gathering. This tragic event, held in Velusamypuram, Karur district, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, led to the deaths of 40 individuals.
Named in the police case are N. Anand, known popularly as ‘Bussy’ Anand, who serves as the TVK’s general secretary, along with Mathizhagan, the party’s Karur district secretary, and Nirmal Kumar, its joint general secretary. The complaint was formally lodged by the Karur Town Police Inspector, according to police sources.
The charges include serious offenses under BNS sections 109 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), and 125(b) (acts endangering life or personal safety). Additionally, the accused face charges under section 223 (disobedience to a duly promulgated public servant’s order) and section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act.
The horrific incident occurred during a political meeting addressed by popular actor Vijay, attracting a massive crowd. Visuals from the scene depicted shoes scattered across the ground, a poignant reminder of the chaos, while emergency services swiftly transported the injured to Karur General Hospital.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the crowd began gathering as early as 9 AM for the noon address by Mr. Vijay. Despite the scorching sun and significant delays—Mr. Vijay only arrived at 7 PM after completing another rally in Namakkal—supporters, including women and children, remained steadfast, some even foregoing lunch. Campaign songs were played to keep the waiting audience engaged.
In response to the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited the injured in the hospital and announced a solatium of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for those hospitalized. He also established a commission, headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the stampede. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and BJP leaders Nainar Nagendran and Tamilisai Soundararajan also visited the injured.
The Karur district administration has set up emergency helplines to assist those seeking information about the victims. Residents can contact the District Collectorate Emergency Control Room at 04324-256306 or via WhatsApp at 7010806322.