The Cyber Crime Police in Tamil Nadu have arrested YouTuber Felix Gerald, the operator of the RedPix channel, for allegedly spreading fake news linked to the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives during the campaign of actor-politician Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

According to officials, Gerald had uploaded misleading content related to the tragedy, which authorities said could disrupt public order and inflame tensions. His arrest follows a wider crackdown on misinformation surrounding the incident.

Police register multiple cases

On Monday, Chennai Police registered cases against 25 individuals accused of posting inflammatory content on social media about the Karur stampede. Authorities said arrests would soon follow, adding that strict action was necessary to curb the spread of unverified claims.

Officials stressed that the posts were capable of provoking unrest at a time when the region is already tense following the tragic deaths.

TVK leader named prime accused

In a parallel development, Tamil Nadu Police arrested Mathiazhagan, the Karur district secretary of TVK, in connection with the stampede. He has been named as the prime accused in the First Information Report (FIR).

The stampede occurred on Saturday night during a rally addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The incident left 41 people dead and at least 60 others injured.

Charges under new criminal law

The FIR, while not naming TVK chief Vijay, lists three party office-bearers: Mathiazhagan (district secretary), Bussy N Anand (state general secretary), and CTR Nirmal Kumar (state joint secretary).

Police allege that unauthorised roadshows were conducted before Vijay’s vehicle halted at Velusamypuram, drawing a large and uncontrolled crowd that led to the tragedy.

The leaders have been charged under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:

  • Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder)
  • Section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide)
  • Section 125 (endangering life)
  • Section 223 (disobedience to order)

Additionally, Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act has been invoked.

Ongoing investigation

Police have confirmed that further arrests may follow as investigations continue into both the alleged mismanagement of the rally and the spread of misinformation after the incident.

Authorities have also urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified claims online, warning that strict action will be taken against those attempting to exploit the tragedy for political or social unrest