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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has spoken out for the first time since the Karur rally stampede that left 41 dead and dozens injured. In a heartfelt video message, the actor-turned-politician described the incident as the most painful moment of his life. “I have not faced a painful situation like this in my life. My heart aches. Only pain in my heart,” he said, adding that his supporters’ love has always been his greatest strength.

“We did nothing wrong, but they’re filing FIRs”

Vijay insisted that he had placed safety above all else while planning the rally. “In order to ensure there should be no compromise on safety of people, I kept politics aside and chose a place that was safe for the people and requested the police department. But what should not have happened, happened.”

Addressing criticism of his team, Vijay was steadfast in his stand: “We did not do anything wrong. But the party leaders, friends, and social media users are filing FIRs against them. CM sir, if you have an intention to take revenge, do anything to me. Do not touch them. I’ll either be home, or in my office. Do anything you want to me.”

He also questioned why the tragedy unfolded only in Karur despite rallies in multiple districts: “We campaigned in five districts, so why did this happen in Karur? How did this occur? People know the truth and they are watching everything.” He ended with a note of faith: “I am confident that the truth will come out soon.”

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— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 30, 2025

Officials counter with crowd estimates and safety claims

Even as Vijay distanced his party from blame, the administration offered its own account. Additional Chief Secretary P Amudha, IAS, explained that police had evaluated seven possible sites before assigning Velcuchamy Puram for the gathering. Other locations were ruled out due to risks such as a petrol pump and waterbody nearby.

She also clarified that TVK had originally mentioned only 10,000 attendees in their request letter. Anticipating a bigger turnout, police made arrangements for 20,000 people, but the crowd ultimately swelled to over 25,000, far exceeding expectations.

The legal fallout has been swift. An FIR has been registered against senior TVK leaders Mathiyazhagan, Bussy Anand, and CTR Nirmal Kumar on charges including culpable homicide and negligence. Reports allege that Vijay remained inside his campaign vehicle for a long stretch, which may have contributed to restlessness in the gathering. The leaders, however, have approached the Madras High Court for anticipatory bail, blaming inadequate police presence for the disaster.