Stalin Sir, Don't Touch My TVK Workers: Vijay Warns CM In First Video 3 Days After Karur Tragedy

For the first time since the Karur stampede tragedy that claimed 41 lives, actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay released a video statement on Tuesday, urging Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin not to target his party workers.

"FIRs have been filed against my party functionaries. Stalin sir, don't touch them or do anything to them. If you want revenge, do whatever you want to me. I will be at my house or office," Vijay said in an emotional appeal.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief, who faced criticism for remaining silent for three days after the incident, admitted that the Karur tragedy was the "most painful moment" of his life.

"My heart is full of pain... nothing else. People question why I didn't come back to Karur. It is only because of my love for you. From now on, people's safety is my first priority. We ask for secure venues only for their protection. But what should not have happened, happened. I am also human, aren't I?" he said.

Vijay also pointed out that he had attended five campaign events without incident before Karur. "The people know everything. They are watching everything. My political journey will continue even stronger," he asserted.

Party Functionaries in Custody

Meanwhile, two senior TVK office bearers-Karur West District Secretary V P Mathiyalagan and Karur Central District Secretary Kasi Pounraj-were remanded to 14 days' judicial custody on Tuesday in connection with the stampede.

TVK state general secretary Bussy Anand and deputy general secretary Nirmal Kumar are also named in the FIR. However, they are yet to be arrested.

The case has been filed under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), Section 125 (endangering life of others), and Section 223 (disobedience to order).

Probe and Parallel Arrests

The Tamil Nadu government has formed a one-member commission led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe the incident.

Separately, YouTuber Felix Gerald, who runs the 'RedPix' channel, was arrested in Chennai for allegedly uploading fake content related to the stampede.