TVK's Karur roadshow stampede LIVE: Death toll at 39, those injured stable; case registered and probe underway
CM Stalin ordered a probe led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan; Centre sought report as Amit Shah spoke to Stalin, Governor Ravi, assuring support.;
CHENNAI: The death toll in the stampede at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay's rally in Karur, about 400 km away from Chennai, on Saturday, rose to 39. At least 16 women and 10 kids were among those who suffocated to death at the actor-politician's heavily-crowded rally.
Around 95 people who suffered injuries are admitted to the Karur Government Hospital. They are now stable, except for one, said Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P Senthil Kumar.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a Commission of Inquiry to be led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into the incident. He reached Karur by midnight.
Hours after the tragedy, actor-politician Vijay expressed profound grief, extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. “My heart is shattered," Vijay wrote on X.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has sought a report on the stampede from the Tamil Nadu government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Stalin to take stock of the situation post-stampede at Karur and assured all possible central help.
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth on Sunday described the tragic stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay’s rally in Karur as “a deeply distressing and unfortunate incident” and urged that such mishaps should never recur.
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A newly engaged couple, soon to be married, were among the 39 victims who lost their lives in the Karur stampede. According to Thanthi TV report, the victims have been identified as Akash and Gokul Shri
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi, who returned to Tamil Nadu after cancelling his Dubai trip, visited the Karur Government Hospital. He also met with the families of the deceased and offered his condolences.
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami slammed the state government for lapses in providing adequate security during the political meeting in Karur. He further alleged that the AIADMK meeting in Karur on Thursday (September 25) also suffered from inadequate security.
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami arrived in Karur and consoled the families of the deceased
State police chief (in-charge) DGP G Venkataraman had rushed to the spot to oversee the efforts. In a late-night press conference, he said crowds began swelling from 11 am itself. "In their permission letter, they (TVK) had said they expected a crowd of about 10,000. There were tweets from the party handle that Vijay was expected to arrive by 12, so crowds began to gather. He reached at 7.40 pm. I am not blaming anyone, but the facts are that there were limited facilities for water and other necessities," Venkataraman said at the police headquarters. He added that the location allocated for Vijay’s speech is a pre-determined spot used by all political parties.
Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P Senthil Kumar said that out of the total deceased, 28 were from Karur, 2 each from Erode, Tiruppur, and Dindigul, and 1 from Salem, while 4 are yet to be identified.
Speaking to reporters, he said that out of 95 injured people, all are stable except one. He said, "A total of 95 people have been admitted to the hospital. 51 are admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital. Except for one, the others are stable. Specialised doctors are looking after them. The remaining 44 are admitted to the private hospitals. 39 people have lost their lives."
The tragic stampede at TVK president Vijay’s rally in Karur has claimed at least 38 lives, including those of women and kids.
Swipe to read how the stampede situation unfolded, what Vijay said, and how the state and Central government responded.