In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu, a stampede at a political campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in Karur resulted in a significant loss of life and numerous injuries. Chief Minister M K Stalin rushed to the district in the early hours of Sunday to meet the grieving families and the injured, expressing profound sorrow over the catastrophe.
Chief Minister's Response and Announcements
Addressing the media after his visit, CM Stalin stated he was standing with a heart full of grief, unable to fully describe the horrific accident. He revealed that he received the news around 7:45 PM on Saturday while he was in Chennai, immediately instructing former Minister Senthil Balaji and other nearby ministers to rush to Karur and oversee the situation.
The Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each injured person. He emphasized that such a large-scale tragedy at a political party's event was unprecedented in the state's history and must never be repeated. Stalin has ordered the formation of a one-member inquiry commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the causes of the stampede.
Details of the Tragedy and Victims
The stampede occurred around 7:30 PM on Saturday in Karur, located about 400 km from Chennai, as a massive crowd had gathered since afternoon to see TVK leader Vijay. Officials confirmed that the chaos led to a devastating crush. Health Minister Ma Subramanian provided the grim breakdown of the deceased: 10 children, 17 women, and 12 men. Over 80 people were admitted to hospitals, with 51 undergoing intensive treatment in the ICU as per the latest reports.
Eyewitnesses stated that Vijay, who was addressing the crowd from atop his campaign vehicle, stopped his speech midway upon noticing people collapsing. Women and children were among those who fainted in the surging crowd.
National Condolences and Political Reactions
The tragedy drew immediate reactions from across the political spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Governor R N Ravi and CM Stalin to review the situation, assuring all possible central assistance. The Union Home Ministry has also sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Governor Ravi also conveyed their sympathies. The TVK, however, alleged a conspiracy behind the incident, pointing fingers at the ruling DMK, a claim that has added a political dimension to the disaster.
Actor-politician Vijay expressed his shattered heart and unbearable pain, offering deepest condolences to the families of the victims and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
CM Stalin visited the Government Medical College and Hospital to personally meet the injured and pay tribute to those who lost their lives. The state government's swift announcement of compensation and a judicial probe aims to address public anguish and ensure accountability. The focus now is on the treatment of the injured and the findings of the commission, which will be crucial in preventing such incidents in the future during large public gatherings.
