Shivraj Kumar advises Vijay to be careful before taking any decision
Veteran Kannada actor Shivraj Kumar has accepted Tamil
actor-turned-politician Vijay’s embracing politics, but amid the ongoing controversy over the Karur stampede advises him to take every step carefully.
Speaking to the press members following his visit to the Thiruchendur Subramanya Swamy
Temple Shivraj Kumar said that Vijay who is also his friend, should think clearly before deliberating any decision. Further adding that he was unaware of how the Karur stampede occurred but wished Vijay well in his political journey.
The Karur stampede, which evolved in the midst of Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu, claimed 41 lives and left over 100 injured. The tragedy has sparked political tension, with the DMK and CM MK Stalin accusing Vijay’s party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), for violating rally protocols.
However, TVK has denied the allegations and called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe, claiming the turnout was unexpectedly large and suggesting a possible conspiracy to defame Vijay.
As per police reports, permission was granted for 10,000 attendees, but nearly 30,000 people gathered at the venue. Only 500 police personnel were deployed, and authorities reportedly failed to assess the massive crowd.
The situation worsened as Vijay, scheduled to arrive at noon, reached Velusamypuram between 7 and 7:40 pm. Supporters had begun assembling from 9 am under the scorching sun, with limited access to food and water, leading to several people fainting.
Vijay has offered compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of those who died and Rs 2 lakh to each injured person. He also held a video call with over 30 affected families, expressing condolences and assuring them of full support.
Sources revealed that Vijay told the families he would visit them in person soon but was unable to do so at present due to “certain difficulties”. Several TVK functionaries have been arrested in connection with the incident, though Vijay has not been named in any FIR.
The Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam has moved the Supreme Court, seeking an independent probe led by a former Supreme Court judge into the Karur stampede, challenging the Madras High Court’s order forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by senior IPS officer Asra Garg.
The party argued that the High Court’s earlier observations, including remarks that Vijay “fled from the scene” and that the party had shown no remorse, had prejudiced the investigation.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had earlier criticised TVK leaders for their handling of the rally, pointing to lapses such as a bus running over two-wheelers and controversial social media posts by party leader Aadhav Arjuna.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Fixed a hearing on October 10 a plea challenging the Madras High Court’s refusal to transfer the probe to the CBI. Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran-led bench, took note of BJP leader Uma Anandan’s appeal seeking a CBI investigation into the tragedy.
TVK propaganda secretary Arun Raj said that permission for the rally had been sent to the DGP via email and would be resubmitted in person.
He went on to add that Vijay had spoken to 33 families via video call, assured continued contact, and that all the families told Vijay there was no fault on his part, encouraging him to continue his political journey.
News Edit KV Raman
