'Delayed visit led to deaths': DMK slams Vijay over Karur probe
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan alleges CBI investigation into the Karur stampede is stalling and claims Vijay has aligned with the BJP.
Marking the first anniversary of the tragic Karur stampede, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan has launched a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. Elangovan raised serious questions regarding the progress of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the disaster, which claimed 41 lives.
Allegations of Investigation Delays
Speaking to the media, Elangovan claimed that the investigation has failed to move forward despite a full year having passed since the tragedy. He suggested that the delay in the CBI's proceedings is intentional. The DMK leader alleged that the investigative agency is working to protect Vijay, suggesting a political alignment that has stalled justice.
"The matter is before the CBI. The CBI will not proceed fast because they have brought him under their control," Elangovan stated. He further alleged that the delay in reaching the rally venue was the primary catalyst for the stampede that resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals.
Political Allegations Against Vijay
The DMK spokesperson went on to make heavy political accusations, claiming that Vijay has effectively "surrendered" to the BJP. Elangovan suggested that the investigation's lack of progress is linked to this alleged political shift, stating, "Vijay has become a slave of the BJP, so I don't think there will be any further action."
He noted that even after twelve months, no final report has been submitted regarding the incident, raising doubts about the transparency and speed of the ongoing legal process.
The Karur Tragedy: A Year Later
The deadly incident occurred during a political gathering addressed by Vijay in Karur on September 27, 2025. The stampede left 41 people dead and caused numerous injuries. On this anniversary, Vijay expressed his grief on social media, describing the incident as a "wound that does not heal" and a "pain that does not fade," while offering solidarity to the grieving families.
While the CBI continues its investigation, legal battles regarding compensation and relief measures continue in the courts. In a significant development in August, the Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court order that had blocked the Tamil Nadu government from providing government jobs to the family members of the deceased. The apex court had questioned why the state should be prevented from providing employment as relief, especially when the deceased was the sole breadwinner for their family.