For the first time since the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives, actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay released an emotional video statement on Tuesday, addressing the public and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. In the video, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief pleaded with Stalin not to take action against his party workers.
“FIRs have been filed against my party functionaries. Stalin sir, don’t touch them. If you want revenge, do whatever you want to me. I will be at my house or office,” Vijay said, visibly moved.
Facing criticism for staying silent in the immediate aftermath, Vijay admitted that the Karur incident was “the most painful moment” of his life. “My heart is full of pain… nothing else. People ask why I didn’t return to Karur. It’s only because of my love for you. From now on, people’s safety is my first priority,” he said. He also clarified that he had attended five earlier campaign events without any incidents and vowed to continue his political journey “even stronger.”
Meanwhile, the situation has escalated legally. Two senior TVK leaders—Karur West District Secretary V.P. Mathiyalagan and Central District Secretary Kasi Pounraj—have been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. TVK State General Secretary Bussy Anand and Deputy General Secretary Nirmal Kumar are also named in the FIR, though they have not yet been arrested.
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Charges have been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and endangering life. A one-member inquiry commission headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been formed to investigate the tragedy.
Additionally, YouTuber Felix Gerald was arrested in Chennai for allegedly spreading misinformation about the stampede through his channel, RedPix.
— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 30, 2025
