Karur, Tamil Nadu: Actor-politician Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s district secretary, Mathiazhagan, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the Karur stampede, which killed 41 people and injured 60, according to multiple reports.
Mathiazhagan faces charges including murder, culpable homicide, and endangering public safety, and has been named as the prime accused in the FIR. Local media reported he was arrested on the outskirts of Karur after reportedly absconding following the incident.
The FIR also names TVK state general secretary Bussy Anand and deputy general secretary Nirmal Kumar. Charges against them include:
Sections 105 and 110 (culpable homicide and attempted culpable homicide)
Section 125 (endangering life of others)
Section 223 (disobedience to order) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Preventing of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992
Officials stated that the stampede was triggered by a massive crowd surge as Vijay delayed his appearance at the rally. People climbed over steel sheds and trees for a better view; when these structures collapsed, attendees fell onto those below, causing the deadly stampede.
TVK Karur Rally Stampede: District Secretary Mathiazhagan Arrested, FIR Names Vijay And Party Leaders
