Vijay Breaks Silence On Karur Stampede, Justifies Why He Fled From The Spot: 'I Am Shaken To My Core'

Three days after the Karur stampede left 41 dead, TVK Chief Vijay has released a video statement breaking his silence on the tragedy. Calling it the "most painful situation" of his life, Vijay said that he was "shaken to the core" after the incident."I have never faced such painful situation in my life. People come to see me in my rally because of the love they have towards me. In all my rallies I make sure people are safe and utmost safety is provided from TVK. An unfortunate incident happened in Karur. I did not go to Karur after the stampede because something untoward could have happened and it could have been made worse," he said.Many factors, including crowd swelling, contributed to the stampede that claimed 41 lives at actor-politician

Vijay's rally. Following the tragedy, questions were raised over safety arrangements at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president's political event. TVK alleged that the tragedy was not accidental but a result of a "conspiracy" and moved the Madras HC. TVK's district secretary Mathiyazhagan was arrested on Monday in connection with the incident."The people understand what is unfolding and are watching everything. Very soon the truth will be revealed. TVK functionaries are facing cases, youth is being booked for spreading misinformation. I want to tell the police and government, you can do anything to me, but please leave others," said Vijay."My political journey will be stronger. We will not be shattered by the baseless allegations thrown at us. It will continue with a stronger force than before," he added.

Karur stampede leaves 41 dead

Videos from the event showed a sea of people packed tightly together, with several attendees appearing distressed and gasping for air. At one point of time, the crowd swelled and became uncontrollable even as Vijay was addressing the gathering and a number of persons including party workers and a few children fainted and fell down. Several workers noticed the situation and raised an alarm and moments before the tragedy, Vijay was seen pausing his speech to distribute water bottles to those in the crowd and arranging for ambulances as reports of suffocation emerged.However, ambulances had a tough time passing through the heavily crowded thoroughfare to reach the spot. The fainted persons were rushed to nearby hospitals and some of them are still battling for their lives.