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Karur Stampede Fallout: TVK Leaders Freed as Court Rejects Custody Extension

Two TVK leaders have been released from prison after the court refused to extend their judicial custody. Mathiyazhagan and Paunraj were arrested for their role in organizing the rally where the tragic stampede occurred. Chief Minister MK Stalin clarified that the government isn't targeting individuals but needs to counter misinformation. The state is now developing a Standard Operating Procedure to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key Points: TVK Leaders Mathiyazhagan Paunraj Released in Karur Stampede Case

  • Court refused to extend judicial custody for TVK leaders in stampede case
  • Two functionaries were arrested for arranging flagpoles and banners
  • Stampede occurred during actor Vijay's rally claiming 41 lives
  • CM Stalin announced new SOP to prevent future incidents
  • Police had cancelled one meeting but failed to warn about crowd control
2 min read

Karur stampede: TVK leaders Mathiyazhagan, Paunraj released from prison after court refused to extend judicial custody

TVK leaders Mathiyazhagan and Paunraj released from prison after court refused to extend judicial custody in Karur stampede that killed 41 at Vijay rally.

"The government's intention is not to blame or target any individual - CM MK Stalin"

Tiruchirappalli, October 16

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan and town functionary Paunraj, who were accused in the Karur stampede case, were released from Central Prison on Thursday, Trichy, after the court refused to extend their judicial custody.

Last month, a local court in Karur in Tamil Nadu had sent two TVK functionaries to a 14-day judicial custody till October 14 in connection with the stampede that occurred at party president and actor Vijay's rally on September 27, which claimed 41 lives.

Mathiyazhagan and Karur town functionary, who had arranged for the flagpoles and flex banners for TVK chief Vijay's rally, were arrested on September 29 and 30, respectively.

"One meeting was cancelled with the advice of the Police...They could have adviced us that the crowd would increase and could not be controlled. The judge has observed that action will be taken according to the law. They have given liberty to file a bail application, and further steps will be as per the law. 14-day judicial custody has been granted by the judge..." TVK's lawyer, advocate Manikandan, said on September 30.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday addressed the tragic stampede incident, emphasising that the government's intention is not to blame or target any individual.

In a statement posted on X, CM Stalin condemned the deliberate spread of misinformation against the government, stressing the importance of clarifying the facts surrounding the incident.

"Regarding the tragic incident that occurred in Karur, the government's intention is not to blame or target any individual. However, when certain people deliberately spread false information against the government, it becomes our duty to clarify the true facts of what actually happened," he said.

He further announced that the state government is actively working on formulating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent such incidents in the future.

"The government is currently formulating a 'Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)' to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. All necessary actions will be taken in accordance with the final verdict of the Hon'ble Supreme Court," CM Stalin added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I'm glad they're free, we can't ignore that 41 innocent lives were lost. The organizers should have been more careful about crowd control. Political rallies need better planning and safety measures. This tragedy could have been avoided 😔
S
Sarah B
The CM's statement about creating SOPs is a positive step. We need proper guidelines for large gatherings across India. Too many stampede incidents happen during festivals and political events. Better late than never!
A
Arjun K
The police should share equal responsibility here. They were present at the venue and could have advised better crowd management. It's easy to blame organizers after the tragedy. Hope the compensation reaches all affected families quickly.
M
Michael C
As someone who has attended political rallies in Tamil Nadu, I can say the enthusiasm for film stars turned politicians is massive. The administration needs to anticipate this and have proper arrangements. Both parties and police need to coordinate better.
K
Kavya N
The families of those 41 people will never get their loved ones back. While legal procedures continue, we must ensure such incidents don't repeat. Political parties should prioritize public safety over everything else. Heartbreaking 💔

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