Karur Stampede FIR Accuses Actor Vijay of Deliberate Delay and Unauthorized Roadshow

An FIR filed in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has placed significant blame on actor-politician Vijay for the tragic stampede during his roadshow on September 27, which claimed the lives of at least 41 people and left many others injured. Authorities allege that the massive crowd surge and ensuing chaos were exacerbated by deliberate delays and improper organization of the event.

The FIR states that the event organizers, led by District Secretary Mathiyazhagan, had initially sought permission for a gathering of around 10,000 attendees. However, news of Vijay’s presence caused the crowd to swell to over 25,000, overwhelming the arrangements. Officials allege that Vijay intentionally delayed his arrival by approximately four hours, contributing to heat exhaustion, fatigue, and panic among the attendees. This delay, coupled with inadequate crowd control measures, ultimately led to the deadly stampede.

According to police reports, Vijay reached the district border at Velayudhampalayam around 4:45 pm but postponed his movement and conducted a roadshow without prior authorization. By the time his convoy reached Veluchamipuram at 7 pm, the crowd had become uncontrollable, creating dangerous conditions. The FIR also notes that police warnings to key organizers, including Mathiyazhagan, Bushi Anand, and CTR Nirmal Kumar, about the growing risk were ignored, further aggravating the situation.

The incident has sparked widespread political controversy. Opposition parties have criticized the ruling DMK government for failing to ensure public safety during the event. In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin ordered an emergency response and announced compensation for the families of the victims. Authorities have emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Karur stampede highlights the critical importance of crowd management and strict adherence to permissions during large public gatherings, particularly when involving high-profile figures. As investigations continue, attention is focused on both Vijay and the event organizers to ensure lessons are learned and justice is served for the victims of this devastating incident.