Youtuber Felix Gerald arrested for Karur stampede rumors
Gerald, a Tamil YouTuber covering current affairs, was arrested amid the ongoing investigation into the Karur stampede.
YouTuber Felix Gerald Arrested Over Karur Stampede Rumours, Granted Conditional Bail
CHENNAI: Felix Gerald, a Tamil-language YouTuber known for covering current affairs, was arrested on Tuesday by the cyber crime wing of the Greater Chennai Police for allegedly posting misleading statements about the stampede at a rally organized by TVK leader Vijay in Karur. The tragic incident, which occurred recently, claimed 41 lives and left dozens injured, sparking nationwide attention and widespread mourning.
Gerald was produced before the XI Metropolitan Magistrate Court, where police sought judicial remand. However, the court granted him conditional bail later that evening. Advocates Pulianthope Mohan and D Johnson, representing Gerald, told TNIE that the court was not persuaded by the police’s justification for keeping him in custody.
Instead, the court imposed specific conditions aimed at preventing further spread of misinformation. Gerald was barred from commenting publicly on the stampede incident that had led to his arrest. The restrictions are intended to ensure that his statements do not interfere with the ongoing investigation or inflame public sentiment.
The Karur stampede had already sparked anger and grief across Tamil Nadu, and authorities have been actively monitoring social media platforms for false information about the tragedy. On Monday, Tamil Nadu police arrested three others for allegedly spreading rumours related to the stampede. Additionally, the Greater Chennai Police (GCP) confirmed that cases have been registered against 26 social media accounts for disseminating misinformation about both the tragedy and the state government’s response.
The stampede, which occurred at a crowded political rally, was widely covered in mainstream media. Eyewitness accounts and official reports indicated that panic broke out when a sudden rush of people near the stage led to crushing and trampling. Dozens were injured, and 41 lives were lost. Social media quickly became flooded with speculation, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that authorities say could worsen panic and hamper relief operations.
Cybercrime officials noted that misinformation can have serious consequences during crises. “False statements online not only mislead the public but can also create confusion, hinder rescue operations, and instigate unrest,” said a senior police officer involved in the investigation. Gerald’s alleged posts reportedly contained statements that were misleading about both the causes of the stampede and the handling of the situation by authorities.
Gerald’s arrest highlights the increasing scrutiny on social media influencers and content creators in India. While online platforms provide a means to share news and commentary, authorities have repeatedly warned that spreading unverified information about tragedies can have legal consequences. “People must exercise responsibility online, especially during sensitive events,” the officer added.
Legal experts said the court’s decision to grant conditional bail reflects a balancing act: protecting individual rights while ensuring public safety and preventing the spread of misinformation. Gerald’s advocates emphasized that he intends to cooperate with investigators while complying with the court’s restrictions.
Meanwhile, families of victims continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, while relief and safety measures are being reinforced at public gatherings in the region. The Tamil Nadu government has called for calm and urged citizens to rely on verified information from official sources rather than social media speculation.
As the investigation continues, Gerald’s case underscores a broader challenge in India’s digital landscape: balancing freedom of expression with accountability in an era where social media can rapidly amplify rumours, particularly in moments of tragedy. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that accurate information reaches the public while taking action against deliberate misinformation.