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By DocuNews Central | October 6, 2025

Karur, Tamil Nadu — In a swift response to public outrage and growing calls for accountability, the Madras High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the tragic stampede in Velusamypuram, Karur, that claimed the lives of at least 41 people during a rally organized by the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).

⚖️ Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance

The High Court bench, presided over by Justice S. Nirmal Kumar and Justice R. Mala, took suo motu cognizance of the tragedy after disturbing visuals and witness testimonies emerged showing chaotic scenes of panic and trampling at the rally site.

The bench described the incident as “a grave failure of administrative oversight and event management responsibility.”

The court also instructed the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) and the Karur District Collector to cooperate fully with the SIT and submit a preliminary report within two weeks.

🚨 How the Tragedy Unfolded

Eyewitnesses reported that thousands of supporters gathered for the TVK political event, which was being addressed by party founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran. A sudden surge in the crowd led to a collapse of barricades, causing panic and a fatal stampede.

Local media reported that many of the victims were women and elderly attendees, who had little room to escape as people rushed forward when rumors of free distribution of items spread among the crowd.

Emergency services struggled to reach the site due to traffic congestion, further worsening the situation.

🕯️ Death Toll and Injuries

As of Monday morning, official figures confirmed 41 deaths and over 70 injured, several of whom remain in critical condition at the Karur Government Medical College Hospital.

District officials have set up a 24-hour helpline for families searching for missing relatives, while relief funds and ex-gratia payments are being processed by the state government.

🧾 SIT Mandate and Accountability

  • Whether adequate permissions were obtained for the rally.
  • If crowd control and security protocols were followed.
  • The role of local police and political organizers in managing the event.
  • Possible negligence leading to loss of lives.

The Madras High Court emphasized that “no political influence will be permitted to interfere with the course of justice.”

🗣️ Public and Political Reaction

The tragedy has sparked widespread condemnation across party lines. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep sorrow, calling the loss of lives “heart-wrenching and preventable.” He has ordered an independent administrative review alongside the SIT probe.

Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have accused the TVK organizers of “gross negligence” and demanded accountability from top officials.

Social media is flooded with videos and eyewitness clips, making #KarurStampede one of the top trending hashtags across India.

📰 Background on TVK Rally

The rally was part of the TVK’s southern outreach campaign ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Sources said the organizers had expected a turnout of around 15,000 people, but the actual crowd reportedly exceeded 50,000, overwhelming the available space and security arrangements.

⚰️ A State in Mourning

The Tamil Nadu government has declared one day of state mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. Funeral arrangements for victims are underway, and counseling teams have been dispatched to assist grieving families.

🔍 What Happens Next

The SIT is expected to submit its initial findings within 14 days, after which the court will decide whether to initiate criminal proceedings against responsible individuals or institutions.

“Lives lost in negligence cannot be buried under politics. Accountability must prevail.” — Justice Nirmal Kumar

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