Recently, the Karur rally stampede has taken a new turn. Actor Vijay, of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has approached the Madras High Court, seeking an independent investigation into the tragedy that left over 40 people dead and more than 60 injured.

Lawyers led by S Arivazhagan, president of TVK’s advocates’ wing, told Justice M Dhandapani on Sunday that the case should be handed over to the CBI or a Special Investigation Team for a fair investigation. The court will hear the matter on Monday at 2.15 pm.

The Karur rally stampede continues to unfold with multiple legal and security developments. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has asked the court to either transfer the case to the CBI or a Special Investigation Team to ensure a fair probe. As an alternative, the party also requested the court to start suo motu proceedings due to the scale of the tragedy. TVK functionary Nirmal Kumar said Justice Dhandapani advised them to formally file a petition before the Madurai Bench.

TVK has also complained to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging a possible conspiracy behind the incident. Earlier, actor and TVK chief Vijay received a bomb threat at his Chennai residence. Police conducted a security sweep with sniffer dogs and a bomb disposal squad, adding at least 15 more personnel to the area cordon. The threat call is under investigation.

Adding to the legal developments, Senthilkannan, a victim of the stampede, approached the Madras High Court seeking to prevent the state police from allowing any further TVK rallies until accountability is established and safety measures are ensured. In his plea, he alleged that the tragedy resulted from reckless planning, poor crowd management, and a lack of safety protocols. 

He noted that the Karur Town Police has already registered an FIR under provisions including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and causing death by negligence. He argued that while the right to assemble is protected, it must be balanced with the public’s right to safety under Article 21. TVK leaders maintain that only a court-monitored or CBI-led probe can ensure impartiality. Monday’s hearing at the Madurai Bench is expected to decide the way forward.

Sources said the Tamil Nadu government advised Vijay and senior leaders to avoid visiting the Karur Government Hospital, fearing their presence could worsen the situation. Vijay, described as being in “deep shock,” has not eaten since the tragedy. He is expected to meet victims’ families after the court hearing, with official permission.
On the political front, TN Chief Minister M K Stalin said Rahul Gandhi called to express condolences. 

The state government has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the deceased families and set up a Commission of Inquiry under Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. Rahul Gandhi also called Vijay to convey his condolences.
Meanwhile, the TN government refuted TVK’s claim of a power cut at the rally, saying the dimming of some lights was due to a generator issue, not a deliberate cut. TVK insists that only a CBI or court-led investigation can deliver a truthful outcome. The Madurai Bench hearing on Monday is expected to chart the next steps.