Home Ministry Seeks Report From Tamil Nadu Govt On Karur Rally Stampede: Sources

The Union Home Ministry sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government on the Karur rally stampede that claimed the lives of 36 people, including 8 children and 16 women, during actor-turned-politician

Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) event.

Sources told News18 that the MK Stalin government has been asked to furnish details on the circumstances leading to the tragedy and the rescue and crowd management measures taken by local authorities. The Centre is expected to review the report before deciding on further steps, sources said.

This comes as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives and announced a ₹10 lakh solatium from the CM’s Relief Fund to the families of the deceased. Those undergoing intensive treatment will receive ₹1 lakh each. A Commission of Inquiry headed by retired Madras High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will be constituted to probe the incident, the Chief Minister said.

MK Stalin said special arrangements for medical treatment have been made, with ministers and senior officials deputed to Karur and medical teams rushed from Tiruchirappalli, Salem and Dindigul. He added that he would personally visit Karur tonight to meet the bereaved families and the injured.

The tragedy unfolded when tens of thousands thronged Vijay’s rally, leading to stampede as the crowd surged forward. Witnesses reported people collapsing from suffocation before panic spread. Vijay, who cut short his speech, was seen distributing water and arranging ambulances for the distressed. President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other national leaders condoled the deaths, calling the incident “deeply saddening.”