Karur stampede: What triggered the chaos

The predictable blame sport has begun over the stampede that befell on September 27, 2025 in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. The loss of life toll on the stampede, which occurred at an overcrowded roadshow held by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor Vijay, has climbed to 41.

The widespread chorus among the many individuals is that “it was a tragedy ready to occur”. Critics of the DMK authorities have pointed a finger on the administration, claiming that the police did not allocate a correct venue for the present. The police, in flip, have argued that TVK organisers had requested permission for a rally of 10,000 individuals, however that an estimated 25,000-27,000 individuals arrived on the venue. This is a poor excuse, given the turnout at Mr. Vijay’s earlier roadshows and the unrestrained behaviour of his followers. But Mr. Vijay and the occasion organisers are equally responsible. They have nonetheless not grasped the advanced logistics of crowd mobilisation and security administration.

Mr. Vijay, who harbours ambitions of changing into the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, reached the venue a number of hours not on time. By that point, the group was already bursting on the seams. Upon realising that the state of affairs had acquired out of hand, the actor developed chilly toes. Without checking what had occurred to the individuals who had thronged there to see him, Mr. Vijay abruptly ended his speech and rushed to Chennai by a chartered flight.

On reaching the capital metropolis, Mr. Vijay refused to talk to the media on the airport. He was anticipated to react, however he issued solely a quick assertion on social media, lengthy after the tragedy had drawn nationwide consideration and prompted responses from the President, the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister, and different leaders. “I’m languishing in ache and grief which can’t be expressed in phrases,” he posted. Though he introduced ₹20 lakh every to the households of the lifeless, and ₹10 lakh for the injured, he missed the chance to indicate management within the face of adversity.

Tragedies do happen when crowds end up in bigger numbers than anticipated, and there have been fairly a number of situations of those throughout India. However, political events in Tamil Nadu have mastered the artwork of organising mega occasions with out inflicting casualties. The AIADMK, the DMK, and the Left events all plan occasions meticulously. They usually distribute water bottles and supply snacks and meals packets in some circumstances. These measures stop dehydration, which is more likely to happen in a State the place the solar is commonly extraordinarily harsh.

Mr. Vijay, who’s new to politics, has clearly did not be taught these classes. Worse, the actor, who in some ways is chargeable for the tragedy, fled the scene as a substitute of staying in Tiruchi or a close-by city and visiting the victims.

The authorities too is accountable. It mustn’t have permitted him to deal with a rally standing in the course of a highway, particularly contemplating the density of vehicular site visitors and his immense recognition as an actor. Such a mode of communication is a public nuisance in small cities corresponding to Karur. Political rallies ought to be held outdoors metropolis or city limits.

At the identical time, it is usually true that if the police or administration had denied permission for his roadshow, Mr. Vijay — whose main goal is the DMK authorities and who has been saying that the 2026 Assembly elections shall be a contest primarily between his social gathering and the DMK — would probably have made a significant political subject of it.

The tragedy will now have a chilling impact on Mr. Vijay. He must assume arduous earlier than planning his subsequent transfer or rally. His followers too might weigh security and different dangers earlier than collaborating in his outreach programmes. The authorities has the fitting to disclaim permission for his roadshows.

The occasion additionally as soon as once more exposes Tamil Nadu’s craze for movie personalities. Despite tall claims of reaching development and making strides in schooling and social justice, the State is exclusive on this regard. Anyone can enter politics; nevertheless, solely in Tamil Nadu do all those that act in movies arrogate to themselves the fitting to enter the sphere just because they’d essayed roles during which they had been seen saving individuals and combating tooth and nail for justice. And when that occurs, ideologically inclined individuals and people devoted to public causes merely look on. They are left with no alternative however to throw their palms up in despair.