Ayyappan, a 51-year-old functionary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), died by suicide in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, blaming DMK Member Senthil Balaji and the police for the deadly Karur stampede during TVK chief Vijay’s rally.
The stampede claimed 41 lives and left many injured. The police have registered a case and begun an investigation, arresting several TVK office bearers on charges of culpable homicide, mismanagement, and endangering lives. The incident has sparked political tensions and demands for justice and accountability.
Tragic Suicide Linked to Karur Stampede
Ayyappan, the branch secretary of TVK from Villupuram, was found hanging in his home in Mayilam village by his mother on Monday. He had visited his elderly parents three days prior. A handwritten suicide note found at the scene accuses former DMK Minister Senthil Balaji and police officials of negligence leading to the Karur tragedy.
Ayyappan’s note states that inadequate police protection and the minister’s role caused the stampede, calling for the minister’s arrest. The Senji Police have taken custody of Ayyappan’s body for post-mortem and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death while examining the note’s authenticity.
The Karur Stampede: A Preventable Tragedy
The Karur stampede occurred on September 27 during a political rally organised by actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Over 40, including 17 women and 9 children, died as crowd panic erupted on a narrow road densely packed with supporters waiting for Vijay’s arrival, which was delayed by several hours. Reports explain how poor crowd control, lack of water, inadequate medical aid, and absence of proper police coordination turned the event into a death trap.
People climbed barricades and tin roofs, which collapsed, crushing those below. An FIR alleges that TVK leaders deliberately delayed the rally, ignored police warnings, and failed to regulate their cadres.
Three senior TVK functionaries including the Karur district secretary Mathiazhagan were arrested and charged under sections of culpable homicide, attempted culpable homicide, and other related laws.
Political Fallout and Inquiry Commission
The tragedy has provoked strong reactions across political lines. The ruling DMK government swiftly set up a judicial commission led by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned the tragedy and urged political parties to uphold responsibility during public events.
TVK allegedly denied negligence, instead alleging a political conspiracy involving local politicians and police, further straining the situation. The police have also cracked down on misinformation circulating on social media related to the stampede. Families of the victims continue to demand justice as the inquiry unfolds and compensation is announced.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking sequence of loss, from the Karur stampede to Ayyappan’s suicide, calls for collective reflection on political accountability and human empathy. Accountability must be meted out with care, transparency, and respect for those affected, rather than entrenched in blame and hostility.
Political mobilisation at mass events must prioritise safety over showmanship, and authorities should collaborate with communities to prevent such tragedies. At a time of grief and anger, the values of kindness and dialogue are more essential than ever.
