CM Vijay Accuses DMK of Orchestrating Karur Stampede
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Friday accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of being responsible for the stampede in Karur that resulted in multiple casualties. He alleged that the incident was a “conspiracy” and “treachery” orchestrated by the DMK, which he claimed felt threatened by his political entry. The stampede occurred during a public event, leaving several dead and injured.
Details of the Incident
The stampede took place on July 9, 2026, in Karur district during a gathering. According to initial reports, the crowd surged after a sudden panic, leading to a crush that killed at least 12 people and injured over 30 others. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the injured were admitted to nearby hospitals. The exact cause of the panic is still under investigation.
Political Reaction
CM Vijay, who entered politics recently and leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), made the accusation during a press conference in Chennai. He stated, “The DMK government’s negligence and deliberate actions led to this tragedy. This is a conspiracy to destabilize my political movement.” He called for a thorough investigation and demanded the resignation of the state’s Deputy Chief Minister. The DMK has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
Impact and Aftermath
The stampede has sparked widespread outrage in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties demanding accountability. The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured. A judicial inquiry has been ordered, but CM Vijay has criticized it as a cover-up. The incident has further escalated political tensions ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
