In a major development following the Karur stampede tragedy, the Chennai Cyber Crime Police arrested YouTuber Felix Gerald for allegedly posting a video attributing motives to the incident.
The stampede, which occurred during a political rally of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay in Karur on September 27, claimed 41 lives, including women and children. Authorities say Gerald’s video commentary spread misinformation and could potentially incite unrest2.
Why YouTuber Felix Gerald Was Arrested
According to police reports, Felix Gerald uploaded a video on his Red Pix channel in which he allegedly suggested political motives behind the Karur stampede. Officials stated that his content was misleading and defamatory, and it violated public safety norms.
Youtuber felix Gerald arrested by Chennai police. pic.twitter.com/95Gx1fg7jK
— Santhana Kumar (@sandy_twitz) September 30, 2025
The Greater Chennai Police Cyber Crime Wing confirmed that Gerald was picked up from his residence in Nungambakkam early Tuesday morning. His arrest comes as part of a broader crackdown on misinformation, with cases already registered against 25 social media accounts for spreading unverified claims about the tragedy.
Karur Stampede: Political Fallout and Investigations
The Karur stampede has triggered widespread political debate in Tamil Nadu. FIRs have been filed against senior TVK leaders, including Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and Mathiyazhagan, under charges of negligence and disobedience of public safety regulations4.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a judicial inquiry led by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, stating: “It is our duty to make sure such a tragedy never repeats. Those spreading rumours that disrupt peace will face action.”
Meanwhile, opposition AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the DMK government’s crowd control measures, calling for a transparent investigation. Actor-turned-politician Vijay, whose party organized the rally, expressed sorrow and pledged cooperation with the inquiry, promising financial aid to victims’ families.
Crackdown on Misinformation After Karur Stampede
Authorities have intensified monitoring of online platforms to curb the spread of false narratives. Just a day before Gerald’s arrest, police detained three individuals, including TVK party workers, for circulating rumours on social media.
Officials reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against anyone responsible for spreading misinformation that could disturb public order. Gerald himself had previously faced arrest in 2024 for uploading controversial interviews on his channel.
Four men, including Red Pix YouTube editor Felix Gerald and two Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) cadres, were arrested by Chennai cybercrime police for spreading rumours about the Karur stampede death toll, which claimed 41 lives. Police identified the others as Sagayam, 38,… pic.twitter.com/0We4c2Q4KA
— Everything Works (@HereWorks) September 30, 2025
YouTuber Felix Gerald and the Karur Stampede Case
The arrest of YouTuber Felix Gerald for his video attributing motives to the Karur stampede underscores the Tamil Nadu government’s zero-tolerance stance on misinformation. As investigations continue into both the tragedy and the online narratives surrounding it, the case highlights the growing tension between digital creators, political accountability, and public safety.
