CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu police will register a case against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay after arraigning him in the death of 41 people in the stampede that broke out in Karur. The state police chief has informed Chief Minister M K Stalin that a case can be filed even if there is no court order in this regard. The police will make arrangements to prevent any law-and-order problem if he is arrested. The chief minister has also received legal advice to file a case against Vijay and proceed with legal action.

If a case is filed against Vijay and is arrested, TVK will use it as a political weapon against DMK. This did not happen yesterday due to concerns. However, last night, party deputy general secretary Kanimozhi MP had clarified that the party that organized the rally is responsible for the tragedy. Demands for Vijay's arrest is being raised from various parts of Tamil Nadu. Students had staged a protest at Vijay's house.

The rally was led by TVK chief Vijay. However, so far, a case has been registered against TVK state general secretary Bussy Anand, joint secretary C T Nirmal Kumar and Karur district secretary Mathiyazhakan. The case is under sections including culpable homicide.

Vijay, who suspended his tour after the tragedy, is staying at his residence in Chennai. He is scheduled to hold rallies at 31 centers in Coimbatore and Nilgiris. Meanwhile, he had sought police permission to visit Karur. The petition filed by TVK in the Madras High Court seeking an independent investigation into the tragedy will be considered today. The plea alleged a conspiracy.

All the bodies have been identified. The government has announced a judicial inquiry. The police investigation is progressing. A total of 41 had died in the stampede in Karur on Saturday night. 10 of them are children and 17 are women. TVK announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of the dead and Rs 2 lakh each to the injured. This is double the amount announced by the government.