Forty-eight hours after a stampede in Tamil Nadu’s Karur killed 41 people at actor-politician Vijay’s rally, police have arrested Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Karur West District Secretary Mathiyazhagan, holding him responsible for lapses that led to the tragedy.

Police had earlier booked him under provisions of attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder and endangering public safety. Cases have also been registered against TVK’s General Secretary Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Sekar.

According to the FIR filed on a complaint by a police officer, Vijay himself has been named for deliberate acts that allegedly led to the death of 11 people at one point during the chaos. The complaint claims Vijay intentionally delayed his appearance at the rally by nearly four hours after arriving in the district to display political strength, triggering restlessness and uncontrollable surges in the massive crowd.

The FIR further states that Vijay undertook a roadshow without permission, violating conditions laid down by authorities, and created “unnecessary expectations” among party cadres. Police have also accused other senior TVK leaders of ignoring repeated warnings.