Chennai police under the DMK government have arrested three people for allegedly spreading ‘rumours’ about the Karur stampede on social media during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally on Saturday, which claimed 41 lives. Officials confirmed that cases have also been registered against 25 others for their online posts in connection with the incident.
The three arrested were identified as Sakhayam James, 38, Sivanesan of Mangadu, and Sarathkumar, 32, of Avadi. Police said Sivanesan and Sarathkumar are members of TVK, while Sakhayam acted independently.
In order, Sarathkumar (32); Sagayam James (38) and Sivaneswaran (32) arrested by the police for inflammatory content on #KarurStampede #tvk #vijay pic.twitter.com/fi67XAr3c5
— Ram (@madarassi) September 30, 2025
Earlier on 30 September 2025 morning, YouTuber Felix Gerald was arrested by the police for allegedly spreading ‘rumours’ on the Karur stampede.
This morning, Journalist & YouTuber #FelixGerald was arrested by the police.
The government’s message is crystal clear: any journalist who dares to question or expose them will be silenced & arrested. This is Authoritarian Rule, not democracy.#Felix pic.twitter.com/ZxLo0hiJ6U
— Stephenraj (@StephenRaj_offl) September 30, 2025
Authorities said the cases against the 25 others relate to social media content that allegedly had the potential to disturb public peace. According to the government, several users had circulated messages claiming the rally involved divisive community discussions, which it described as “completely unfounded.”
In an official release, the DMK government warned of strict action against those spreading what it called baseless claims about the tragedy. The statement stressed that any attempt to incite unrest would invite legal consequences and urged citizens to verify information before sharing it online.
Chief Minister MK Stalin also appealed to the public to avoid sharing rumours or defamatory content on social media.
Meanwhile, to establish the cause of the stampede, the state has appointed a one-member enquiry commission headed by former Chief Justice Aruna Jagatheesan. Stalin said the government would take further action based on the commission’s findings.
(With inputs from India Today)
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