CHENNAI: The stampede like incident at Vijay’s TVK campaign in Karur which claimed more than 40 lives has now become a blame game with the Tamil Nadu government releasing a video purportedly showing TVK cadres allegedly breaking the cordon and running during the stampede.
Ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leaders, during a press briefing in Chennai on Tuesday, slammed Vijay for the choice of venue which was not suitable as it has a petrol bunk and, drainage canal.
But in his video message earlier, TVK chief and actor Vijay, said that he had carefully chosen the places for the rally. “I asked for permission for 10 places and requested the police department accordingly,” he said.
Expressing deep pain over the Karur stampede that killed 41, Vijay questioned the FIR against his party leaders and asked if CM Stalin was seeking revenge. He claimed to have requested police for a safe tour location and challenged the Chief Minister, stating he is ready for any action.
“Namaste to everyone. I have never faced such a painful situation in my life. The only pain in my heart is pain itself. The reason so many people come to see me on this tour is the love and affection they have for me. I am deeply indebted to them for that love and affection,” he said.
But talking about the incident, the DMK leaders alleged that TVK made a mistake while estimating the crowd as it doubled during the rally, and the crowd which followed TVK chief and actor Vijay took turnout to over 25,000.
It further alleged that police asked Vijay to halt metres ahead of the designated spot due to overcrowding, but organisers did not oblige.
“When Vijay’s vehicle entered the designated spot at Karur, the crowd surged, people moved sideways, making people to squeeze through,” the Tamil Nadu government added.
It further claimed that the crowd increased from the afternoon, and some people assembled in the morning, leading to dehydration and exhaustion.
A heavy crowd surged towards the electricity generator enclosure; later, the focus lights near that spot went off, it added.
The statement from the Tamil Nadu government came after Vijay, in a video message, cried vendetta over the incident, questioning the chief minister whether he is trying to take revenge.
He dropped a bomb on the Stalin government, questioning the FIR on TVK leaders.
In the video message, he said that people are watching everything and they know the truth. “Soon, all the truth will come out.”
He further challenged CM Stalin, saying, “Do whatever you want. I will be at home or in the office.”
“We did nothing beyond that. CM sir, if you want to take revenge, do whatever you can, but do not touch them. I will either be at home or in the office. Do whatever you can. Friends, colleagues, our political journey will continue even stronger, with even more courage,” he said.
Do you think that the truth behind the incident will eventually come out?
Yes, it always does.No, it’s often hidden.
“That is why, beyond everything else in this tour, the safety of the people, and the thought that no compromise should be made, is very close to my heart. That is why I have avoided all political reasons,” he added.
Further, Vijay claimed that he had requested the police department to choose a safe place for the tour.
Meanwhile Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) Karur West district secretary V.P. Mathiyazhagan and central town secretary M.C. Pounraj, arrested on Tuesday (September 30, 2025) in connection with a stampede at party president Vijay’s rally that claimed 41 lives, were remanded in judicial custody for 15 days by the Karur Judicial Magistrate Court.
Mathiyazhagan, the first accused in the case, was picked up by the police on Monday (September 29). Pounraj had allegedly sheltered Mathiyazhagan at his residence in Gujiliamparai.
Police sources said Pounraj has also been named as an accused in the primary case registered by the Karur Town police.
Both Mathiyazhagan and Pounraj were produced before a court in Karur on Tuesday.
