Team News Riveting
Chennai, September 27
At least Thirty-eight people, including ten children and 18 women, were killed and several others injured in a stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) meeting attended by the party chief, Vijay, in Tamil Nadu’s Karur on Saturday.
Over 40 others were injured in the incident. The condition of many are reported to be critical.
The incident occurred when the actor-turned-politician, Vijay was addressing the gathering. He had to stop his brief speech multiple times, as the crowd surged forward to have a better glimpse of the Tamil Nadu Cinema star.
According to eyewitnesses, trouble began when TVK chief Vijay’s convoy reached Veluchamy Puram, where he was scheduled to deliver his address. Thousands of supporters had gathered at the location, including women and children. “The crowd kept getting bigger and there was no space to move,” the eyewitness added.
Police reportedly resorted to lathi charge to disperse the crowd after the stampede.
Vijay, who launched TVK earlier this year after formally stepping into politics, began his maiden state-wide tour on September 13 in Ariyalur, Tiruchirappalli district. He completed the first leg on September 20 in Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur.
Earlier this week, the party had revised its schedule. Initially set to end on December 20, the tour will now run into early 2026, covering nearly every key district in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The Tamil Government announced that it would set up a commission under Justice Arun Jagadeeshan to probe the incident. The government also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the bereaved families.
Chief Minister M K Stalin would visit Karur on Sunday to take stock of the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in an unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu today. Shri Modi emphasized that the nation stands in solidarity with the affected families and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring necessary support and assistance.
In separate posts on X, Modi said: “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.”
