The stampede at Tamil Nadu’s Karur during actor Vijay’s TVK political rally is likely to have a huge implication for the actor-turned-politician after rumours began to surface that he could face legal challenges, even an arrest, in the wake of the incident. Authorities have stepped up security at Vijay’s home in Chennai citing public ire over the stampede death, according to reports.
Though the government has only announced that a commission led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan would arrive in Karur later in the day to probe the incident, calls seeking Vijay’s arrest are getting louder. Many refer to the ‘Allu Arjun arrest’ during Pushpa-2 release as a precedent. After the stampede that claimed multiple lives in Hyderabad, the probe team arrested Allu Arjun during the investigation, citing mismanagement of his team. However, he was released after the courts clarified that the responsibility for the event rested on the organisers and not on the celebrity.
In this wake, the government may face calls for Vijay’s arrest, citing direct negligence and overriding safety warnings, especially his seven-hour delay in arriving at the rally venue, which contributed to the crowd fatigue and restlessness.
DMK leader Marudhu Azhaguraraj has already criticised Vijay for his behavior, stating the actor did not stay with the people and fled to the capital Chennai after the tragedy, like a hit-and-run driver. He also attacked the actor, stating he deliberately delayed starting the event to keep people waiting for a long time to portray it as a public influence.
Vijay, who left immediately from the venue, flew to Chennai after the accident. He did not give any public statements, avoiding reporters. The private plane he used landed at the Chennai airport at 11:30 pm. Over 11,000 people tracked Vijay's plane on the flight tracker, FlightRadar.
However, Vijay posted a condolence message on Sunday, stating he is deeply anguished over the incident. He also announced that Rs 20 lakh would be given to the families of those who lost their lives at a stampede. “It is not a huge amount for the loss you have suffered. I know your loss cannot be replaced. It is an irreparable loss. However, it is my duty to stand next to you in this hour and share your grief," he said.