DMK ally Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan on 6 October 2025 visited the site of the stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, meeting families of the victims. Forty-one people were killed and over 50 injured in the September 27 incident, marking one of the worst political tragedies in recent Indian history.
Speaking to the press, Haasan emphasized the need for humanity over politics.
He also praised journalists for their role in exposing facts: “Especially journalists, because you exposed this way, the truths have started coming out little by little. In this time period, everyone is questioning who is truth. There is no single truth; from many perspectives, it appears differently. Both courts and police are forced to uncover the truth in this time. Police should be thanked, not blamed. I am not like this when I came here.”
Haasan reserved particular praise for the Chief Minister’s response to the crisis. “A dignified politician should show all the qualities of leadership and how to conduct things. That has been shown, and we are proud of it,” he said.
Haasan stressed that authorities were performing their duty and called for public support: “Because they are doing their duty. So please thank all of you who stood with this life situation until now. Please let them do their work. Sir, you have seen lights too. Have you seen which place is better? Sir, no place is good for this death.”
Regarding accusations of a security lapse, he said: “This would have become a bigger tragedy had permission been granted for some other place. We were able to stop it here itself. I am happy about that. Had there been a security lapse and they all fell into the river, what situation would it have been? All opposition parties say this is due to security lapse; they accuse that way. I am a centrist and a Tamil Nadu citizen, what happened is clear to everyone.”
Haasan urged people to avoid taking sides: “Don’t take sides in this. If you take sides, take the side of the public.”
Speaking again to the press after meeting a family, he called for prioritizing humanity and justice over political debate: “It is ‘time to apologise, time to accept mistake.’ I’ve come to express condolences to the victims of Karur tragedy. Don’t see this tragedy as numbers. Look at them as mothers, sisters and elderly. The investigation is underway. The matter is sub-judice, it not right to comment on it now. I’m a Centrist and a citizen of Tamil Nadu. Let’s not take sides in this issue. If we are to take sides, let’s take the people’s side. Chief Minister MK Stalin displayed exemplary leadership qualities and we should thank him for that. Any government will take responsibility. But the matter is now sub judice. Do not keep blaming somebody else.”
Haasan made an appeal for preventive measures, stating, “This should be a precedent for the nation and for Tamil Nadu to shine again.” He emphasized the need for collective action across party lines, suggesting, “The Chief Minister should raise this with all parties so that this does not happen again. All parties must have strict laws and meet to discuss forward-looking solutions.”
Haasan described the ongoing legal proceedings: “While Vijay, whose maiden statewide tour ended in disaster in its third week, is yet to visit the bereaved families.”
Two TVK functionaries – including district secretary Mathiyazhagan – have been arrested, while senior leaders Bussy Anand (General Secretary) and Nirmal Kumar (Deputy General Secretary) remain on the run after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court denied them anticipatory bail. The three, along with unnamed others, have been booked on serious charges including attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering public safety.
The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg and a single-member inquiry commission headed by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. Chief Minister MK Stalin has assured that a model guideline for political rallies and public gatherings will be framed based on the commission’s findings.
Haasan concluded by emphasizing empathy and responsible leadership: “It is pointless to give such advice now. He must do what a leader must do. That is my request. Giving advice is your prerogative. People are blaming it on DMK or blaming Senthil Balaji. No, no, look here—the one blaming is standing right here. Others blaming are asking questions. You should ask them, not us. I have not come to discuss politics here. I will come next month to discuss politics. Let them rest in peace. They must try to forget the incident. Whenever someone asks how many died, I cry for them. When I cry once, I feel better. Please allow me that.”
Haasan urged unity and patience while investigations continue: “Vijay’s party workers have gone missing; police have been searching for them. I said this earlier; it is not time to quarrel now. The law is in place. Questions have been asked, SIT has come and is investigating with senior police officers. I trust both you and I to conduct the inquiry deeply, firmly, and honestly.”
(With inputs from NDTV)
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