Members of the Tamil Students’ Association protested outside the residence of actor-turned-politician Vijay in Chennai on Sunday following the tragic stampede during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally that resulted in nearly 40 fatalities.
The stampede, which occurred on Saturday night, claimed the lives of 40 individuals, including women and children, and left approximately 100 others injured. The student association urged the politician to meet with the victims’ families. “Come out, meet people, and answer them. We want justice,” they chanted.
In response to growing public unrest, security around Vijay’s residence has been increased. Reports indicate that state police have heighted protection for TVK district secretaries amid fears that public anger could be directed towards them.
Vijay, aged 51, is facing scrutiny following the incident as his party, TVK, prepares for its debut in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections next year. Two senior officials from the party, including Vijay’s close aide N Anand, have been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the wake of the stampede.
As the death toll continues to rise, the TVK has filed a petition with the Madras High Court seeking an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The party has expressed concerns that there may be a conspiracy connected to the event.
Justice Dhandapani of the Madras High Court has acknowledged the urgent plea submitted by TVK’s counsel, with the matter expected to be addressed on Monday by the Madurai Bench of the High Court.
In a statement, the TVK chief announced that ₹20 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh to each victim injured in the stampede. He also pledged that party workers would offer ongoing support to individuals receiving medical treatment and prayed for their swift recovery.
