Karur Stampede: Stalin Spared Vijay From Primary Accused Tag, Says DMK’s Regupathy

DMK leader S Regupathy has claimed that former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin took a “humanitarian view” and decided against naming actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay as the primary accused in the Karur stampede case, despite demands from within the party to do so.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Regupathy said he had personally urged Stalin, who was then the chief minister, to make Vijay the primary accused in the case. According to Regupathy, Stalin declined, considering that Vijay was an actor who had only recently entered electoral politics by launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Regupathy further claimed that other DMK leaders had also wanted Vijay to be listed as the first accused. He alleged that Vijay reached the event late and subsequently sang and danced on top of a bus, describing the scene as being “like in a cinema”, which he claimed directly contributed to the deadly crowd surge.

The September 27 Karur stampede, which took place during a TVK roadshow addressed by Vijay, claimed 41 lives and triggered widespread scrutiny over crowd management, event arrangements and accountability.

The case is now being investigated by the CBI following the intervention of the Supreme Court. The agency’s probe is examining the circumstances that led to the tragedy and the responsibility of those involved in organising and conducting the event.

Regupathy’s remarks came a day after VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan made similar observations in Dharmapuri. Thirumavalavan said he had earlier pressed the state government to register a case against Vijay, arguing that the actor’s delayed arrival contributed to the situation and that all those responsible should have been booked.

Regupathy also turned his attention to local concerns, warning that the DMK would raise the issues of frequent power cuts and rising prices of essential commodities, including rice, ahead of the upcoming by-elections. He said public dissatisfaction could eventually lead to a popular backlash against the government.