The rally, which appeared like a tsunami of human convergence, turned catastrophic. According to officials, the stampede broke out shortly after Vijay completed his address and left the venue in his caravan.
Photo: IANS
In a major tragedy, at least 38 people, including children, lost their lives and scores were critically injured in a stampede at the massive rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder-president and actor Vijay on Saturday evening.
The rally, which appeared like a tsunami of human convergence, turned catastrophic. According to officials, the stampede broke out shortly after Vijay completed his address and left the venue in his caravan. The critically injured, including 10 women, are being treated at the Karur Government Hospital, while several others have been admitted to private hospitals, reports said.
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Heart-rending visuals of a parent holding his dead son and bodies being taken to the mortuary were broadcast by television channels. More ambulances carrying the injured continue to arrive at the GH, as many parents search desperately for their missing children.
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The venue of Vijay’s address was reportedly a narrow space. People had begun gathering there since early morning, and the actor’s arrival—delayed by over four hours due to another rally in Namakkal—was cited as one of the reasons for the stampede.
Despite Vijay repeatedly appealing to supporters not to bring children and the elderly, crowds thronged the venue. Although the area could hold only about 15,000 people, nearly a lakh had converged, according to locals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the incident.
“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,” he wrote on X.
Former minister V Senthil Balaji, along with the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, is at the GH, monitoring relief and life-saving efforts by doctors. Due to a shortage of medical staff, doctors from nearby towns have been rushed to Karur to assist.
Expressing shock and grief, Chief Minister MK Stalin directed Health Minister Ma Subramanian and ADGP Davidson Devasirvatham to proceed to Karur immediately. The Chief Minister also said he is in constant touch with Senthil Balaji and the District Collector.
Chief Minister is holding a meeting with top officials to assess the situation in Karur following the tragedy.
DMK leader and former Minister Senthil Balaji told the media that 58 persons are under treatment at the Karur Government Medical College Hospital and those admitted to private hospitals would be treated free of cost.
“Saving the lives of the critically affected now under treatment is the priority,” he added.
District Collectors of nearby three districts have been directed to rush to Karur to assist the emergency efforts.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswamy expressed shock and urged the state government to extend financial relief to the families of the victims
Meanwhile, the Pattalai Makkal Katchi (PMK) and the DMK’s ally, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), have demanded an inquiry into the incident.
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