Don't celebrate Diwali in memory of Karur stampede victims: Vijay to his partymates

As buildings across the city lit up ahead of Diwali, Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) headquarters in Chennai’s Panaiyur wore a desolate look. A pall of gloom has descended on the office as the actor-turned-politician and party’s General Secretary N Anand directed all cadres and district secretaries to refrain from celebrating Diwali this year in memory of the 41 people who died in the stampede.

The leadership's instruction follows the tragedy that claimed the lives of several women and children during a rally attended by nearly 30,000 supporters on September 27.

In his first reaction after the tragedy, Vijay expressed deep sorrow, saying his heart is “shattered” and that he is “writhing” in pain.

"My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express...I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital," he had said on a social media post.

Barely 48 hours after the tragedy, police arrested TVK’s top functionaries, Mathiyazhagan and C Pounraj, in connection with alleged lapses in crowd management; the court later ordered their release. Cases were also registered against TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Sekar over events leading up to the stampede.

According to the police FIR, Vijay himself has been named in the complaint for alleged deliberate acts that are claimed to have contributed to the deaths during the chaos. The complaint alleges that Vijay intentionally delayed his appearance at the rally by nearly four hours, which triggered restlessness and surges in the crowd.

The FIR further states that Vijay conducted a roadshow without necessary permission, violating conditions set by the authorities. It also notes that other senior TVK leaders disregarded repeated warnings from law enforcement, and states that Vijay "created unnecessary expectations" among party cadres.

Despite these allegations, Vijay has strongly denied any wrongdoing. "We did not do anything wrong," he said. Addressing the Chief Minister, Vijay added, "CM sir, if you have an intention to take revenge, do anything to me. Do not touch them. I will either be home or in my office. Do anything you want to me."

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