The stampede during actor and politician Vijay’s rally in Karur has plunged Tamil Nadu into deep shock. The tragic incident has claimed 40 lives and injured nearly 100. The massive crowd and chaotic arrangements turned the rally into a serious tragedy. Given the gravity of the matter, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has constituted a commission headed by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the matter.
Introduction to Justice Aruna Jagadeesan
Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, who served as a judge of the Madras High Court from 2009 to 2015, has headed several major inquiry commissions in Tamil Nadu. She is known for her impartial and thorough investigations in the state.
She also investigated the violent events that erupted during the anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin in 2018, in which 13 people were killed in police firing. Her report recommended action against 17 police officers including some IPS officers.
She was also part of the bench that cleared the Chennai police in the 2015 alleged fake encounter case of five suspects in Velachery. She has also investigated cases related to the assets of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and her close associates.
Karur Incident: What Happened?
A rally organized by Vijay’s party, the Tamil Nadu Vettii Kazhagam (TVK), drew an estimated 27,000 people, compared to the expected 10,000. According to the state’s Director General of Police, G. Venkataraman, only 500 police personnel were deployed for the rally, proving insufficient for the large crowd.
Although the rally was permitted from 3 pm to 10 pm, TVK’s social media handles announced Vijay’s arrival at 12 noon, prompting people to begin gathering as early as 11 am. However, Vijay arrived on stage at 7:40 pm. The lack of adequate water and food in the hot sun also exacerbated the situation.
How did the situation escalate at the rally?
Viral videos of the incident showed Vijay standing on the roof of a campaign vehicle, where he was addressing the crowd. When the crowd became uncontrollable, he threw water bottles at the crowd and pleaded with the police for help.
DGP Venkataraman stated that it was too early to comment definitively on the causes of the stampede, but the larger-than-expected crowd size and the premature gathering are believed to be the primary factors.
All eyes are now on the Justice Jagadeesan Commission, whose report is expected to reveal the truth behind this horrific incident.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu Stampede – Actor Vijay alleges ‘conspiracy’, to move Madras HC seeking CBI probe
