Tamil Nadu police have booked the driver of actor-politician Vijay’s campaign bus for negligent driving, a day after the Madras High Court questioned why no FIR had been filed over two alleged hit-and-run accidents involving the convoy of the TVK (Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam) chief during the September 27 Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives.

Inspector R.S. Om Prakash said a case was registered against the campaign bus driver under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to rash driving or riding on a public way that endangers life.

When asked why no separate case was filed under provisions specific to hit-and-run incidents, the officer said Section 281 “also covers that aspect,” but declined to elaborate further.

Madras HC questions delay in FIR

The High Court had earlier observed:

“Media footage shows the bus carrying Vijay was involved in an accident where two motorcycles were hit. The driver, after seeing the accident, fled the scene. A similar collision at the rear of the bus is also visible. In both cases, FIRs have not been registered.”

Following the court’s remarks, the police acted on Monday to register the case.

SIT begins probe into stampede

Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Inspector General Asra Garg began its probe on Sunday into the stampede at Velusamypuram in Karur.

“The probe has just begun. Nothing more can be said at this stage,” Garg told reporters. The team is examining factors including overcrowding, security lapses, crowd-control failures, and allegations that Vijay’s delayed arrival triggered the fatal crowd surge.

Political fallout

The tragedy has sparked a fierce political row in Tamil Nadu. Vijay’s TVK has hinted at a conspiracy, while the AIADMK and BJP have blamed the DMK-led state government for lapses in security and crowd management.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s government has maintained that the crowd surge followed Vijay’s delayed arrival, and has announced compensation for the victims’ families.

Excerpt:
Tamil Nadu police have charged the driver of Vijay’s campaign bus with negligent driving after the Madras High Court questioned the delay in filing FIRs over two alleged hit-and-run incidents linked to the Karur stampede that killed 41 people.

Tags:
TVK rally tragedy, Vijay bus driver case, Madras High Court, MK Stalin,

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