NewKerala.com

Key Points

A tragic stampede during a campaign rally has escalated into a serious legal investigation involving actor Vijay. Tamil Nadu authorities are preparing a comprehensive probe into the incident that claimed 41 lives. The Madras High Court has initiated a Special Investigation Team to uncover potential negligence and accountability. Political tensions are rising as officials signal potential legal actions against Vijay and his party organizers.

Key Points: Vijay Faces Arrest Threat in Karur Stampede Probe

  • High Court orders Special Investigation Team to probe Karur stampede
  • Criminal cases registered against TVK party senior functionaries
  • Vijay's leadership qualities questioned by judicial authorities
  • Namakkal police preparing to seize campaign bus evidence
2 min read

'Vijay will be arrested if needed, there is no witch hunt': TN minister on stampede probe

TN minister Duraimurugan warns actor Vijay of potential arrest during high-stakes investigation into deadly campaign rally stampede

"If circumstances warrant his arrest, we will arrest him, but there will be no witch-hunt - Duraimurugan, TN Water Resources Minister"

Chennai, Oct 4

Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister and senior DMK leader Duraimurugan said on Saturday that the state government would not hesitate to arrest Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay if the investigation into the Karur stampede warrants it, but stressed there would be no arbitrary action.

"The judge was right in saying Vijay lacks leadership qualities. If circumstances warrant his arrest, we will arrest him, but there will be no witch-hunt or unnecessary arrests," Duraimurugan told reporters in Vellore, as the state gears up for a deeper probe into the September 27 tragedy that left 41 people dead.

The Madras High Court has taken a tough stance of the man-made disaster and ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Chennai North Zone Inspector General (IG), Asra Garg, to probe the unfortunate incident.

Following the court's directive, investigation records from Karur City police station are being transported to Chennai and will be handed over to the SIT, marking a shift from routine inquiry to a court-monitored, high-level probe aimed at fixing accountability.

Criminal cases have already been registered against senior TVK functionaries -- General Secretary N. Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Kumar -- under five sections of the Indian Penal Code for negligence and endangering life.

But the court has gone a step further, posing tough questions over the role of Vijay and other party organisers.

The fact that Vijay reportedly left Karur soon after the deadly crush has drawn sharp criticism and intensified calls for accountability.

Namakkal district police are also preparing to seize Vijay's campaign bus after reviewing more than two hours of video footage and 30 mobile clips from the campaign rally site.

However, during a hearing, the High Court questioned the necessity of seizing the bus, signalling that any action must be legally justified.

DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, reacting to the developments in Chennai, said that the people should interpret the court's remarks on Vijay's leadership but expressed faith in the SIT.

"The SIT team formed by the High Court will conduct a fair and impartial investigation," she added.

The SIT's first moves and the court's pointed questions have signalled a decisive push to uncover what went wrong -- from crowd control lapses to possible political negligence -- as victims' families and the people demand clear answers and accountability.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree that accountability is important, I hope this isn't being used for political vendetta. The minister says no witch hunt, but let's see if actions match words. The court monitoring gives me some confidence.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has attended political rallies in India, I've always worried about crowd management. This tragedy was preventable. Proper safety protocols must be mandatory for all public events, regardless of who organizes them.
A
Arjun K
The fact that Vijay left immediately after the stampede speaks volumes about his character. A true leader stands with the people in difficult times, not runs away. Justice must be served for those 41 innocent lives.
M
Michael C
I appreciate that the High Court is questioning the bus seizure - shows they want proper legal procedure followed. In India, we need more of this judicial oversight to prevent misuse of power.
K
Kavya N
This sets an important precedent for political accountability in India. No one should be above the law, whether they're a celebrity politician or not. Hope the investigation brings closure to the grieving families. 💔

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