Key Points
- Tragic Loss of Life: At least 39 people, including nine children and 17 women, were killed in a stampede at the TVK rally. More than 50 are hospitalized, with over 23 in intensive care.
- Vijay’s Emotional Response: TVK chief Vijay stated his “heart is shattered” and he is in “unbearable, indescribable pain”.
- Government Action: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced ₹10 lakh in compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the severely injured. A judicial commission led by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will investigate the incident.
- Overcrowding and Mismanagement: Preliminary reports suggest massive overcrowding, with an estimated 60,000 people attending a venue permitted for 30,000, and significant delays in the event’s proceedings were major contributing factors.
Karur, Tamil Nadu: The death toll from a horrific stampede at a political rally held by actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party has climbed to 39, with over 95 people injured. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night in Karur, leaving the state in mourning. In his first public statement, a devastated Vijay expressed his profound grief, while the Tamil Nadu government has announced a judicial inquiry into the disaster.
A Devastating Tragedy Unfolds
The stampede occurred as a massive crowd surged to get a glimpse of Vijay during his address. The situation quickly turned chaotic, leading to people fainting and being trampled in the crush. Initial police estimates expected around 30,000 attendees, but the actual crowd swelled to at least double that size. Vijay’s delayed arrival, nearly seven hours late, is believed to have exacerbated the situation as the crowd grew increasingly restless.
Vijay “Writhing in Unbearable Pain”
In an emotional post on social media, Vijay conveyed his profound sorrow over the loss of life. “My heart is shattered. I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express,” he wrote. “I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur.” He also prayed for the swift recovery of the dozens of people who were injured and are receiving treatment in various hospitals.
Government Response and Investigation
The Tamil Nadu government responded swiftly to the tragedy. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited the injured and announced financial assistance for the victims. He also ordered the formation of a one-member Commission of Inquiry, to be headed by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the stampede. The Union Home Ministry has also sought a detailed report from the state government regarding the incident.
National leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed their deep condolences to the families of the victims. State government sources have indicated that the TVK may have “violated conditions” set for the rally, alleging that the crowd Vijay brought with his convoy overwhelmed the already packed venue and that ambulances were blocked from entering as the tragedy unfolded.
