Tamil Nadu: At least 39 dead in stampede at Vijay's rally, probe ordered

In Tamil Nadu, at least 39 persons have lost their lives due to a stampede in a massive road show of Actor Politician Vijay at Karur. The marathon rally went on for more than three hours with people of all ages rushing to have a sight of the actor. The actor and founder of the Party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam had called for a road show on Saturday. State health Minister M.Subramanian said that the Government has called in doctors from nearby districts to assist the hospitals at Karur. Vijay said he was heart-broken and in "unbearable pain," following the stampede that left women and children dead in one of the worst tragedies in the state recently. The victims also include 16 women.

TN Chief Minister M K Stalin announced a Commission of Inquiry to be led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into the stampede. Stalin termed the situation "worrisome". CM MK Stalin confirms 39 dead and 51 in ICU following the tragic stampede at TVK Vijay’s rally. He announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for the injured. According to officials, the stampede broke out in the evening, around 7.30 pm, just as Vijay was addressing supporters who had gathered in huge numbers in the afternoon and were waiting for hours to get a glimpse of the TVK leader, also a top movie star.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: At least 30 people fainted during TVK chief and actor Vijay's rally in Karur. Those who fainted were immediately rushed to hospitals. Inside visuals from the hospital.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/EGj7rsVkYC

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Vijay, who avoided talking to the waiting media at both the Tiruchirappalli and Chennai airports, later took to 'X' to share his views on the matter. "My heart has broken, I am in unbearable, inexplicable pain and grief, " he said. The actor added he prayed for speedy recovery of those being treated in hospitals. He extended his sympathies to the families of "my dear brothers and sisters killed in Karur."

President Murmu expressed anguish over the tragic loss of lives in the incident and extended her deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.

PM Modi, condoling the deaths, 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."

BJP National President J P Nadda, Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Wayand MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, TN Governor Ravi, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, actor-politician Kamal Haasan and superstar Rajinikanth among others extended their condolences.