Madras High Court condemns Vijay and TVK for fleeing the Karur stampede site, orders SIT probe into the 41-death tragedy, highlighting negligence and accountability of event organizers.
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MADRAS: The Madras High Court on Friday (October 3, 2025) criticized actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), over their conduct during and after the tragic Karur stampede on September 27 that claimed 41 lives. The case was heard by Justice N Senthilkumar, who issued scathing remarks about TVK’s leadership.
Justice Senthilkumar observed that when the stampede-like situation broke out at the TVK rally, the party leaders, including Vijay, had a moral responsibility to provide immediate assistance and coordinate rescue measures. Instead, the Court noted, they fled the scene.
“It is really sad that Mr. Vijay, the leader and the members of his political party which organised the meeting fled the scene of occurrence…This Court strongly condemns the conduct of Mr. Vijay, the organisers of the event and the members of the political party for fleeing from the scene of occurrence immediately after mishaps,”
Justice Senthilkumar said.
The Court also criticised the absence of any official expression of responsibility or apology from TVK, calling it a reflection of disregard for human life and public accountability.
Although Vijay had released a video statement on X on September 30 expressing sorrow and urging the State not to act with vengeance against TVK cadres, the Court considered it inadequate. Justice Senthilkumar pointed out that the leadership had abandoned their followers in their time of crisis and showed neither remorse nor responsibility.
The Court further highlighted two accidents linked to the stampede site, allegedly involving the bus carrying Vijay. Video evidence reportedly showed two motorcycles colliding with the bus, after which the driver fled. However, no FIRs were registered.
“Even in the absence of a formal complaint from the aggrieved parties, it is the duty of the State to register a suo motu FIR and ensure that the accused face trial in accordance with law,”
the Court remarked.
Justice Senthilkumar expressed dissatisfaction with the State’s investigation, stating that it lacked progress and independence.
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SIT Ordered to Probe the Incident
In an extraordinary move, the Court expanded the scope of the writ petition, which initially sought only safety protocols for road shows, and ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the stampede.
The SIT will be headed by Asra Garg, Inspector General of Police (North Zone), with Vimala (IPS), Superintendent of Police, Namakkal, and Shyamaladevi, Superintendent of Police, CSCID, as members. The Court directed that additional officers may be added as required.
The SIT has been instructed to seize all CCTV footage from the site, particularly from the bus carrying Vijay, which the Court said should also be seized.
“This Court cannot close its eyes, remain a mute spectator, and shrink from its constitutional responsibilities,”
Justice Senthilkumar observed.
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Appearance:
For the petitioner: Senior Advocate G Sankaran and Advocate S Bharathi Rajan
For the State authorities: Additional Advocate General J Ravindran, assisted by Government Advocate S Santhosh, and Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohammed Jinnah, assisted by Additional Public Prosecutor A Damodaran
Case Title:
PH Dinesh v. Home Secretary, Govt of Tamil Nadu
WP Crl. No. 1000 of 2025 and WPMP Crl. No. 475 of 2025
Read Order: