Tamil Nadu: The death toll in the stampede that occurred on Saturday at a rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Vijay has
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risen to 36. Among the deceased are 8 children and 16 women, while many are injured in the incident.
The rally was held in Karur, Tamil Nadu and a large number of people attended the campaign.
Several workers noticed the situation and raised an alarm and Vijay took note and halted his speech and threw water bottles from atop the custom-built campaign bus. Ambulances had a tough time negotiating the heavily crowded thoroughfare to reach the spot.
The fainted persons were rushed to nearby hospitals in ambulances and a some of them are reportedly battling for their lives. Vijay ended his speech ahead of the scheduled time.
On the stampede, actor Vijay, tweets, "My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital"
Compensation announced
On the Karur stampede, Chief Minister MK Stalin says, "...I will personally visit Karur tonight to meet the families of the victims, to offer my condolences and also visit those receiving treatment in hospitals.""On receiving the heartbreaking news that 36 people, including 8 children and 16 women, lost their lives in the crowd crush at the political campaign meeting of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam in Karur today, I was deeply shocked and pained. I have directed that all those admitted to hospitals for treatment must receive the best possible medical care. To ensure this, I have deputed the Minister for School Education and the Minister for Health and Family Welfare to Karur immediately. Additionally, the District Collectors of Trichy, Salem, and Dindigul have been sent to Karur with medical teams to assist," he said.
Stalin said, "I have also ordered that Rs 10 lakh each be given from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the families of the deceased. Rs 1 lakh each be given to those undergoing intensive medical treatment in hospitals. Furthermore, to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a report to the government, a one-member Commission of Inquiry under retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will be immediately constituted."
President and PM express grief
President Draupdi Murmu said, "Anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives in a stampede-like unfortunate incident in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured."Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured." (With Agency Inputs)
