Karur stampede: Tamil Nadu govt to frame guidelines for public rallies, says Stalin

In the wake of the ghastly stampede at Karur which snuffed the lives of 41 people, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Monday said the state government would come up with rules and guidelines for political rallies and public events.

After receiving the report of the Justice (Retd) Aruna Jagadeesan Commission of Inquiry, consultations will be held with political parties and other stakeholders to frame the rules and guidelines, he said in a video message posted on his ‘X’ handle.

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The Commission of Inquiry was constituted hours after the tragedy struck on Saturday at the massive rally of actor-turned neta Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur. The judicial panel has commenced its investigation but has sought more time to submit the report.

“It is our collective duty to frame rules and guidelines to be adhered to by political parties and other organisations. Once the Commission’s report is received, I assure that these rules and guidelines will be framed after due consultations with all stakeholders,” he said and hoped that this would receive full cooperation from all political parties as well as others.

Further, he made it clear that the government will act on the findings of the Commission and bring to book those responsible for the stampede.

The Chief Minister also urged everyone to avoid spreading rumours on the stampede on social media. “Whichever party they might belong to, the deceased are our brothers and sisters. They are Tamils first. As such, it is necessary to exercise restraint,” was his appeal.

Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai City Police has registered cases and blocked 25 social media accounts on receiving complaints about spreading unfounded claims and fake news about the stampede, potentially threatening peace. In a release, the police warned against those spreading false and concocted news on social media about the Karur tragedy.