A panel of NDA-BJP MPs tasked with investigating the circumstances leading to the September 27 stampede in Karur questioned the choice of venue allotted for actor Vijay’s rally.

Referring to the fatal incident, BJP MP and panel head Hema Malini said that allocating a narrow venue for the programme was inappropriate. “Narrow venue and power cut during the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally appeared to be something fishy and not natural,” she added.

Malini, leading an eight-member delegation, arrived in Karur on Tuesday afternoon to look into the circumstances that led to the tragedy where 41 people died and nearly 60 were injured. Following their visit, the panel also went to the hospital in Karur to meet with the injured and the families of the victims.

### Judicial Custody

Two office bearers, TVK West District Secretary V P Mathiyalagan and Karur Central District Secretary Kasi Pounraj, who were arrested following the FIR, were remanded to 14 days judicial custody, police said. TVK state general secretary Bussy Anand and deputy general secretary Nirmal Kumar are also named in the FIR but are yet to be arrested.

Meanwhile, the police on Tuesday arrested Karur West district secretary V P Mathiyalagan.

### Truth Will Come Out: TVK Chief Vijay

Actor and TVK chief Vijay stated on Tuesday that he has not visited the affected persons so far, as his presence might lead to an unusual situation. Challenging Chief Minister M K Stalin, Vijay said that the CM could do anything to him, but not to his party colleagues.

The actor expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying, “I have never faced such a painful situation in my life. I will meet you (families of victims, the injured) soon,” in a video message posted on his social media page.

Vijay added that the truth about the fatal incident will soon emerge, claiming that he did nothing wrong. “You may do anything to me, even as my party colleagues, including senior leaders Bussy N Anand and CTR Nirmal Kumar, are facing a police case. I did not do any wrong; my political journey will continue with renewed vigour,” he said.

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