The BRICS TimesAt least 41 lives were lost in the Karur stampede during Vijay’s TVK rally in Tamil Nadu, including a woman who succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Probe Launched After Karur Rally Tragedy
The death toll in the Karur stampede has risen to 41, prompting the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan-led commission to begin its investigation on Monday. The incident occurred two days after a massive rally by actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in the district.
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Over 60 people were admitted to hospitals following the September 27 stampede, with at least two in critical condition. Many attendees fainted due to overcrowding and were immediately rushed to nearby medical facilities. Officials confirmed that the large turnout at the venue was the main reason behind the tragic incident.
Financial Aid Announced for Victims
A day after the disaster, TVK chief Vijay announced compensation of ₹20 lakh for each family who lost a member and ₹2 lakh for those injured. Sharing his grief on X, he wrote he was “at a loss for words” and could not stop seeing the faces of the deceased in his mind.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also declared compensation of ₹10 lakh for each deceased family and ₹1 lakh for the injured.
Among the 41 victims were 18 women, 13 men, five young girls, and five young boys. Most of them, 34 individuals, belonged to Karur district, while the rest hailed from Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul, and Salem districts, according to ANI.
Chaos at the Rally Sparked Stampede
The large crowd at Vijay’s Saturday evening rally reportedly turned chaotic, causing panic among attendees. Several people fainted and were hospitalized immediately. Authorities stated that overcrowding at the venue was the primary cause behind the stampede.
Also Read Karur Tragedy: Stampede at Actor Vijay’s Rally Leaves 36 Dead, Several Injured
Madras High Court to Hear TVK’s Plea
Vijay has filed a petition requesting an independent investigation into the Karur stampede. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court is expected to hear the plea later today. The petition seeks a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
TVK is represented by Advocate S. Arivazhagan, who urged the court to take suo motu action and ensure a fair, impartial inquiry. The plea stressed that only an independent agency could identify the lapses that led to the massive loss of life.
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court also heard a petition urging the court to prevent TVK from conducting public rallies or meetings until the official investigation concludes. Justice N Senthilkumar reviewed the plea, emphasizing that large political events without accountability could endanger lives.
Also Read Severe Heat, Massive Crowd, Chaos… How Actor Vijay’s Rally in Tamil Nadu Turned Deadly
Government Orders Probe, Leaders Express Grief
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered a thorough investigation, with senior officials and top police officers reviewing the incident. Political leaders across parties, including CM MK Stalin, opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, and Union officials, expressed sorrow and demanded stricter measures to avoid similar tragedies.
Security Alert at TVK Chief’s Residence
On Monday, Chennai police received a call claiming a bomb had been planted at Vijay’s Neelankarai residence on ECR. Authorities deployed a bomb disposal squad, conducting thorough checks inside and around the premises. Visuals from the site showed heightened security outside the TVK chief’s home.
