Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and popular actor-politician Vijay has begun personally consoling families affected by the tragic stampede at his party's public rally in Karur last week. On October 6, Vijay made WhatsApp video calls to grieving relatives, expressing deep regret and pledging support, as the incident continues to draw scrutiny over crowd management failures. The outreach comes days after the September 27 stampede claimed 41 lives, including several women and children, and injured over 60 others, marking a sombre start to TVK's political activities.

The rally, intended to launch TVK's campaign with an expected turnout of 10,000, ballooned to around 27,000 attendees, overwhelming security arrangements. Preliminary police reports cited a seven-hour delay in Vijay's arrival as a key factor exacerbating the chaos, leading to a crush near the venue entrance. Tamil Nadu authorities swiftly arrested several organisers on negligence charges, while the state government announced compensation of ₹5 lakh per deceased family and free treatment for the injured. Vijay, who postponed his planned visit to the site amid backlash for his initial silence, used the calls to convey empathy, telling one bereaved woman, "I am like your son," according to family accounts shared with Press Trust of India.

One affected family member recounted Vijay's conversation with their son-in-law, where the actor-politician reiterated his sorrow, stating the tragedy "should not have happened" and committing to stand by them. TVK sources indicated that while Vijay's physical visit to Karur remains uncertain, he has directed party workers to provide on-ground assistance, including aid distribution and emotional support. This virtual engagement has elicited mixed reactions: supporters praise it as a heartfelt gesture from the reclusive star, who founded TVK in February 2024 to champion social justice and anti-corruption causes, while critics argue it falls short of accountability.

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Legally, the fallout intensifies as the Supreme Court on October 7 agreed to examine a plea for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the stampede. The appeal, filed by BJP leader Uma Anandan, challenges a Madras High Court order from October 3 that instead constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a senior police officer. The High Court had expressed dissatisfaction with initial enquiries but deemed a state-led SIT sufficient. A bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai scheduled the hearing for October 10, underscoring the national attention on the event. As investigations proceed, the incident highlights persistent challenges in managing mass political gatherings in India's densely populated regions.

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