Chennai, Oct 28:
A DMK councillor from Vellore has triggered a political controversy after allegedly making a remark referring to the Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder C Joseph Vijay. Police have registered four cases against him and launched a search to trace him.
The councillor, Teeta Saravanan of Vellore Ward 12, allegedly made the remark outside Puzhal Central Prison during a protest by DMK supporters against the arrest of former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The incident occurred as Anbil Mahesh was being taken into custody following his arrest in an alleged private-school approvals scam.
Holding a DMK flag and raising slogans against the TVK government, Saravanan allegedly said that the current political situation would have been different had Vijay been “finished” in Karur. The statement appeared to refer to the stampede that claimed 41 lives during a political event. A video of the remarks went viral on social media and was widely broadcast by television channels, triggering criticism.
Puzhal police registered cases under four sections, including provisions relating to intimidation and disturbance of public peace. Three special teams have been formed to trace the councillor, who was reportedly on the run.
Reacting to the controversy, Electricity, Law and Prisons Minister R Nirmalkumar questioned whether former DMK ministers V Senthil Balaji and Anbil Mahesh had any role in a conspiracy linked to the Karur incident. He referred to Senthil Balaji’s political influence in Karur and Anbil Mahesh’s links to neighbouring Tiruchirappalli district. These remarks were made amid the escalating political confrontation between the ruling TVK and the DMK.
The controversy has emerged against the backdrop of Anbil Mahesh’s arrest in a case involving allegations that money was collected from private schools in return for approvals and recognition during the previous DMK regime. The DMK has described the arrest as political vendetta, while the TVK government has said it is pursuing corruption allegations.
The Karur stampede remains a sensitive issue because of the loss of 41 lives. Saravanan’s alleged remark has intensified the political row, with the police investigation now focusing on the circumstances of the statement and the charges registered against him.