Madras High Court Deliberates on TVK Leaders' Fate in Tragic Karur Stampede Case

The hallowed halls of the Madras High Court are currently weighing a decision that carries significant implications for two prominent political figures and the memory of a recent tragedy. The court has reserved its order on the anticipatory bail pleas filed by Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) President T Velmurugan and Deputy General Secretary Vasanth Kumar, who find themselves entangled in the aftermath of a fatal stampede in Karur.

The incident, a heartbreaking scene that unfolded at the MGR Government Arts and Science College on April 28, 2024, claimed the lives of four innocent women and left several others injured.

It occurred during a relief material distribution function organized by the TVK, an event that tragically spiraled into chaos, sparking widespread shock and calls for accountability.

Following the calamitous event, Velmurugan and Kumar were booked under a series of grave charges, including Sections 304 (II) (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code.

The severity of these charges underscores the serious view taken by authorities regarding the management of the ill-fated gathering.

During the intense court proceedings, the prosecution laid bare its arguments, contending that the tragedy was a direct result of flagrant negligence and poor crowd control.

They highlighted that the number of attendees far exceeded the permitted limits, turning what should have been an organized event into a dangerous free-for-all. The prosecution firmly placed the onus on the TVK leaders, asserting their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the public attending their function.

It was argued that the leaders failed to uphold this fundamental duty, leading directly to the stampede.

Conversely, the defence vehemently countered these accusations, painting a picture of an unforeseen accident rather than deliberate negligence. They maintained that all necessary permissions were duly obtained for the event and that the unfortunate incident was an act of God, an uncontrollable surge that could not have been entirely predicted or prevented.

The defence sought to distance their clients from culpability, emphasizing their intentions to provide relief and their inability to control an unexpected turn of events.

After carefully listening to the impassioned arguments from both sides – the prosecution's stern assertions of negligence and the defence's plea of accidental misfortune – Justice G Jayachandran has chosen to reserve the final verdict.

This decision leaves both the accused leaders and the public in a tense state of anticipation, awaiting the court's crucial ruling on whether Velmurugan and Kumar will be granted anticipatory bail or face the next steps of the judicial process without this protective measure. The resolution of this case will undoubtedly set a precedent for future large-scale public gatherings and underscore the grave responsibilities associated with their organization.