Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 28 (ANI): At least 39 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured in a tragic stampede at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay on Saturday evening. The tragedy, one of the worst in the state’s political history, has drawn sorrow and sharp criticism across party lines.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep grief, stating that the cries of the bereaved families remain etched in his heart. In an emotional post on X, he wrote, “The tears shed by the families of those who lost their lives throughout the night, and the pain caused by their grief-filled cries, have not left my heart… Karur Tragedy.”
Stalin announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each for those injured and undergoing treatment. He said never before in Tamil Nadu’s history had so many lives been lost in a political gathering. “So far, 39 people have died. Such a tragedy should never happen in the future either. With a heavy heart, I pay homage to those who lost their lives,” he told reporters.
The Chief Minister also visited the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur late Saturday night to meet with the injured and victims’ families. He announced the formation of an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge to investigate the incident, vowing strict action once the truth is revealed.
Opposition leaders, meanwhile, strongly condemned the tragedy and pointed to lapses in security and crowd management. Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai called the incident “deeply shocking” and “highly condemnable.” In a statement, he said, “Approximately forty people, including children, lost their lives due to a stampede at a gathering attended by Mr Vijay. Many others were injured. For a political party’s gathering, it is the responsibility of the police to estimate the crowd, select an appropriate venue, and deploy adequate personnel to ensure safety.”
Annamalai also alleged negligence, citing reports of a power disruption during the event. “The DMK government, which deploys the entire district police force for its own gatherings, has failed to provide adequate arrangements for opposition events. I strongly urge the government to ensure compensation, conduct a thorough investigation, and take strict action if lapses are found,” he said.
Union Minister L Murugan described the developments as “deeply worrying” and said he has been in touch with the District Collector, instructing BJP leaders to provide all possible assistance to the affected families.
From the Congress side, party president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep distress over the tragedy. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. I urge all Congress workers to provide every possible assistance to the victims and work alongside the authorities in relief efforts,” he said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also offered condolences. “Heartbroken by the tragic stampede in Karur. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. May they find strength in this difficult time, and may the injured recover soon,” she said.
Officials confirmed that several of the injured are receiving treatment in both government and private hospitals, with instructions given that no charges be collected for medical care. As of Sunday morning, 51 people remained under treatment, some in critical condition.
Tamil Nadu ADGP (Law and Order) Davidson Devarsirvatham, who rushed to Karur to inspect the site, said initial reports suggest overcrowding led to the tragedy, and the final toll may rise further.
The state government, political parties, and central leaders have all stressed the need for accountability, with an inquiry commission set to determine whether negligence in security and crowd management contributed to the loss of lives. (ANI)
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