Actor-politician Vijay has announced financial assistance for those affected by the tragic stampede that took place at his rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
At least 39 people were killed and 56 others injured during the incident on Saturday evening. Vijay announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and Rs 2 lakh for those injured.
Terming the incident an “irreparable loss,” Vijay wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“The faces of all of you whom I have met keep flashing through my mind. The more I think of my loved ones who show affection and care, the more my heart slips further from its place.
My heart and mind are overwhelmed with profound heaviness. In the midst of the immense grief of losing our loved ones, I am at a loss for words to express the pain my heart endures. My eyes and mind are clouded with sorrow.”
Tamil Nadu Government’s Response
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a relief package of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. He also announced the formation of an inquiry commission, led by a retired high court judge, to investigate the causes of the stampede.
“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,” Stalin said.
Police Statement
Tamil Nadu DGP G Venkatraman said that Vijay’s rally was scheduled to begin at 3 pm, but the actor-politician arrived at 7:30 pm. The delay led to a massive swell in the crowd, which had been gathering since 11 am.
The organisers had booked a ground with a capacity of 10,000 people, but nearly 27,000 turned up. Many attendees had been waiting for hours without food and water under the scorching sun.
“By the time Vijay arrived at 7:40 pm, the crowd had already been waiting for hours without sufficient food and water. That is the reality,” the DGP said.
