Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Blames Police Over Karur Stampede, Says “I Trusted Them”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has strongly criticized the police and the opposition DMK over the tragic Karur stampede of September 2025, which claimed the lives of 41 people. During his first visit to Karur since the incident, Vijay said the tragedy remains one of the most painful moments of his life.
Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister said he had relied on the police to ensure public safety during the rally. He questioned why authorities allowed the event to proceed if they believed there was a risk.
“I trusted the police. They had every right to stop the meeting, but instead they guided me in. Later, they blamed me for the stampede,” Vijay said.
Vijay also accused the then-ruling DMK of politicizing the tragedy and alleged that the police failed to make adequate security arrangements. He claimed the accusations against him were unfair and suggested that the incident was used to target his political campaign.
The Chief Minister responded to criticism over his silence following the tragedy, saying he was deeply affected by the loss of lives and was grieving during that period. He alleged that his political opponents portrayed his silence as an attempt to avoid responsibility.
Meanwhile, the controversy over compensation for the victims’ families continues. The Tamil Nadu government’s decision to provide government jobs to the families of those who died was challenged by the DMK. However, the Supreme Court declined to interfere, observing that Chief Minister Vijay is not an accused in the case.
On Friday, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court also allowed the state government to issue appointment letters to the victims’ families, while clarifying that the appointments will remain temporary until the final judgment is delivered.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is continuing its probe into the Karur stampede, and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.