Karur, Tamil Nadu witnessed a tragic stampede during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally, leaving 39 people dead and 95 injured, Health Secretary P. Senthil Kumar confirmed. Speaking to reporters, he said that of the 95 hospitalized, all except one are stable. “A total of 95 people have been admitted to the hospital. 51 are admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital. Except for one, the others are stable. Specialised doctors are looking after them. The remaining 44 are admitted to private hospitals. 39 people have lost their lives,” he said.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) S. Davidson Devasirvatham stated that a case has been registered and an investigation is underway. “We will have to get the preliminary investigation done. Thirty-nine people have lost their lives. A case has been registered,” he said.

Earlier on Saturday, Supreme Court advocate G.S. Mani filed a complaint seeking registration of an FIR and investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) against TV chief Vijay over the Karur stampede. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has ordered a one-person commission to probe the tragedy.

In his complaint, Mani alleged gross negligence, absence of safety protocols, overcrowding, and failure of both organisers and authorities to maintain minimum safety standards. Addressing the Home Secretary, DGP Radhakrishnan Salai, and Karur SP, he cited possible culpability on the part of event organisers, including actor-turned-politician Vijay and TVK functionaries. He wrote, “Dereliction of duty by officials in granting permission, regulating the gathering, and safeguarding human lives. A potential cover-up, if the matter is investigated only by routine police mechanisms, given the political influence of those involved.”

Mani requested an FIR under Sections 105, 106, 61(2), 270, 280 BNS, and related provisions under the Disaster Management Act and Police Acts. He also demanded an independent SIT headed by retired judges of the Madras High Court to ensure an impartial investigation.