By TOI NEWS DESK
Copyright indiatimes
TAMIL NADU: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin reached Karur in the early hours of Sunday to meet the families of those who died and were injured in a stampede during a campaign event for TVK leader and actor-turned-politician Vijay, held about 400 km from Chennai. Reflecting on the tragedy, the chief minister expressed deep sorrow.After meeting the bereaved and injured, CM Stalin addressed the press, saying, “I am standing here with deep sorrow. I am unable to describe the horrific accident that took place in Karur. Yesterday, around 7:45 pm, while I was in Chennai speaking with officials, I received the news that such an incident had occurred in Karur. As soon as I received the information, I called former Minister Senthil Balaji, asked him to inquire, and instructed him to go to the hospital. When I heard the news about the death toll, I instructed the nearby ministers to go to Karur.”He added, “So far, 39 people have died. In the history of our state, never has such a large number of people lost their lives in a program organised by a political party, and such a tragedy should never happen in the future either. Currently, 51 people are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.”Stalin further said, “A compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased. A compensation of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to those who were injured. I have ordered the formation of an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge.”The chief minister visited the Government Medical College and Hospital to meet the injured and paid tribute to those who lost their lives.Health minister Ma Subramanian confirmed that the deceased include 10 children, 17 women, and 12 men, while more than 80 people were admitted to hospitals.The state government has formed a one-member commission headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the stampede.Earlier, Stalin had directed officials and ministers to ensure immediate medical assistance for those who fainted in the crowd and were admitted to hospitals.The Union home ministry sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government on the Karur stampede. Amit Shah also spoke with Governor RN Ravi and CM Stalin to review the situation and assured all possible central assistance.Officials said the stampede occurred around 7.30 pm, as TVK leader Vijay was addressing a massive crowd that had gathered since afternoon to catch a glimpse of him. The actor-politician, speaking from atop his campaign vehicle, stopped mid-speech after noticing several people collapsing. Women and children were among those who fainted.Reacting to the tragedy, Vijay expressed deep grief, saying, “My heart is shattered; I am engulfed in unbearable 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 speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital.”President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Governor RN Ravi expressed condolences over the deaths.
