Karur stampede: Madras HC forms SIT, denies pre-arrest bail to TVK leaders

The court has rejected the anticipatory bail petitions of two senior Tamil Vikatan Katchi (TVK) leaders and criticised both the party and the police over the recent mishap. Additionally, a plea by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident was dismissed. The bench directed her to approach the Madurai court instead, according to PTI reports.

Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) launched political attacks, blaming the BJP and TVK respectively. Stalin accused the BJP of attempting to exploit the tragedy for political gains. Meanwhile, the DMK slammed actor Vijay for his arrogance, hunger for money, publicity mania, and desire for power. The party stated that Vijay’s challenge to the state government to arrest him was merely an attempt to divert attention from the deaths of 41 people.

In response to the tragedy, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and Inspector General, North Zone, Asra Garg, PTI reported.

The High Court also held the TVK event organisers, party leadership, and police responsible for lapses that contributed to the stampede, which claimed the lives of several children.

The anticipatory bail pleas of TVK state General Secretary Bussy N Anand and Deputy General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar were dismissed. Both have been named in the first information report (FIR), along with a local party leader who has since been arrested. They face charges under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 125 (endangering life of others), and 223 (disobedience to order) of the Indian Penal Code.

Furthermore, the court rejected the anticipatory bail petition of TVK Namakkal district secretary Sathish Kumar, who was linked to an attack on a private hospital during Vijay’s public meeting in Namakkal.

Chief Minister Stalin also alleged that the BJP and the Union government show no genuine concern over the stampede and are attempting to capitalise on the tragedy ahead of the 2026 Assembly Elections. He questioned, “Why was a delegation of NDA MPs sent to Karur urgently, while no teams were dispatched for the Manipur riots, Morbi bridge collapse, or Kumbh Mela stampede?”

The DMK continued its criticism of Vijay through its party organ, Murasoli, stating, “Vijay’s arrogance, responsible for the deaths of 41 persons, and his hunger for money, publicity mania, and desire for power, has not subsided yet.” The publication further claimed that his Rs 20 lakh solatium announcement for victims’ families was prompted by pressure. Adding, “By mounting a challenge to arrest him, he is trying to divert attention from the deaths of 41 persons.”

The government has already disbursed solatium to the victims’ families. Meanwhile, the DMK also criticised TVK leaders for arriving late to designated campaign spots, leaving supporters exhausted.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/sit-to-investigate-karur-stampede-says-hc-denies-anticipatory-bail-to-tvk-leaders-23597089

“We agreed to disagree”: Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer makes stance clear after Trevon Diggs speaks out on Week 4 benching

Last week, the Dallas Cowboys made the surprising decision to bench Trevon Diggs for their clash against the Green Bay Packers.

The game proved to be an intense battle, ultimately ending in a 40-40 overtime tie. Both teams had multiple opportunities to secure the win, making it a closely contested matchup that could have easily gone in either direction.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-https-x-com-jonmachota-status-19741552172108350

Madras High Court Orders SIT Probe Into Vijay’s TVK Rally Stampede

**Madras High Court Orders SIT Probe Into Karur Stampede at Vijay’s TVK Rally**

Chennai: Days after a tragic stampede at actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur claimed 41 lives, the Madras High Court (principal seat in Chennai) on Friday ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The SIT will be headed by Inspector General of Police Asr Garg.

The court strongly condemned the TVK leaders for “abandoning” the innocent people who had gathered to watch Vijay but tragically lost their lives. In addition, the court directed the police to take action against the party’s office bearer, Aadhav Arjuna, for deleting a social media post that called for a Nepal-like Gen Z revolt.

In a related development, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court declined to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, noting that the police investigation was still at a nascent stage. However, the bench instructed the State government not to grant permission for political rallies on highways until a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is established.

Separately, the court dismissed anticipatory bail petitions filed by TVK party general secretary ‘Bussy’ Anand and another office bearer, CTR Nirmal Kumar, both named in the FIR related to the stampede.

Justice N Senthilkumar, presiding over the main case in Chennai, directed the Karur police to hand over all documents related to the FIR to the SIT. The judge expressed concern that the State appeared lenient towards the accused, highlighting that several party leaders fled the scene after many women and children died.

Regretting the lack of remorse from the party leadership, Justice Senthilkumar commented that this attitude reflected their “mental state.” He added, “The court, however, cannot close its eyes. The court cannot be a mute spectator. The court cannot shirk its responsibilities. The entire world has witnessed the sequences as well as consequences of the event.”

Describing the tragedy as a man-made disaster, the judge noted that even the President and Prime Minister had expressed condolences and extended support to the victims and their families.

The judge also took note of a petition mentioning that Vijay was named in the FIR. Citing video footage showing two-wheeler riders getting injured after falling near Vijay’s caravan, Justice Senthilkumar questioned why no hit-and-run case had been registered. He urged the police to suo motu file an FIR based on the available video evidence to ensure a thorough investigation.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/madras-high-court-orders-sit-probe-into-vijays-tvk-rally-stampede

Former Kata’ib Hezbollah hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov issues first statement since release

Former Kata’ib Hezbollah Hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov Issues First Statement Since Release

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian hostage formerly held by Kata’ib Hezbollah, has issued her first public statement since her release. Writing on her X (formerly Twitter) account in English, Arabic, and Hebrew, Tsurkov expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in securing her freedom.

Her message resonated widely across different linguistic communities, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind her release.

[Image description: Elizabeth Tsurkov stands against a backdrop featuring the Iraqi and Israeli flags. (Photo credit: Canva, Elizabeth Tsurkov, Shutterstock)]


By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869344

Former Kata’ib Hezbollah hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov issues first statement since release

**Former Kata’ib Hezbollah Hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov Issues First Statement Since Release**

Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli-Russian hostage formerly held by Kata’ib Hezbollah, has issued her first statement since her release.

Tsurkov took to her X (formerly Twitter) account, writing messages in English, Arabic, and Hebrew to express her gratitude to those who helped secure her freedom.

The statements come amid ongoing attention to her case, symbolized by images of Tsurkov alongside the Iraqi and Israeli flags.

*Photo credit: Canva, Elizabeth Tsurkov, SHUTTERSTOCK*

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869344

Official says Liberman’s warning on Iranian actions during Sukkot misleading

**Official Says Liberman’s Warning on Iranian Actions During Sukkot Misleading**

An official has dismissed Avigdor Liberman’s recent warning regarding Iranian activities during Sukkot as misleading. The official further stated that Liberman is “cut off from all security information, and really knows nothing.”

Avigdor Liberman, leader of Yisrael Beytenu, has been vocal about potential threats during the Sukkot holiday. However, this critique calls into question the accuracy and basis of his claims.

*Photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90*
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-869338

Zubeen Garg’s death: Event organizer moves SC, calls allegations ‘ludicrous’

Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of the North East India Festival and an accused in the case related to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s death, has approached the Supreme Court.

He is seeking a transfer of the ongoing Assam Police probe to a central agency.

The move aims to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the matter. The Supreme Court’s decision on this plea is awaited.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/plea-for-fair-investigation-into-zubeen-garg-s-death/story

Zubeen Garg’s death: Event organizer moves SC, calls allegations ‘ludicrous’

Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of the North East India Festival and an accused in the case related to the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, has approached the Supreme Court.

He is seeking the transfer of the ongoing Assam Police investigation to a central agency. Mahanta’s plea requests a more impartial and thorough probe into the matter, amid concerns over the current investigation’s progress.

The Supreme Court will now consider his request for the case to be handled by a federal investigative body.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/plea-for-fair-investigation-into-zubeen-garg-s-death/story

Zubeen Garg’s death: Event organizer moves SC, calls allegations ‘ludicrous’

Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of the North East India Festival and an accused in the case related to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s death, has approached the Supreme Court.

He is seeking a transfer of the ongoing Assam Police probe to a central agency.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/plea-for-fair-investigation-into-zubeen-garg-s-death/story

Dr. Arlene Mitchell

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https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/dr-arlene-mitchell/article_20508e7f-6a4d-4a75-9fb8-0ead59702794.html

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