Karur : FM Nirmala Sitharaman Visits Karur on Monday to console families and survivors of the devastating stampede in Tamil Nadu that killed 41 people and injured 67 during actor-politician Vijay’s TVK rally on September 27.
Arriving in Karur along with Union Ministers L. Murugan and Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, Sitharaman first inspected the site at Velayuthampalayam where the tragedy struck.
She then met with local officials and police personnel to understand how the massive crowd became deadly. Later, she visited the Karur Government Medical College Hospital and other treatment centres to meet injured survivors and grieving families, offering condolences and assuring the Centre’s support.
The horrific incident occurred when thousands surged forward soon after Vijay concluded his speech at the TVK campaign event. As a result, panic swept through the overcrowded venue, causing a crush that killed many, including women and children. Some injured remain in critical condition and receive intensive care. Additionally, expressions of grief and solidarity have come from across the country.
President Droupadi Murmu said she felt deeply pained by the “unimaginable loss of lives” and prayed for the recovery of the injured. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who rushed to Karur within hours of the tragedy, visited the accident site and hospitals, personally meeting victims’ families.
The state government also announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to each bereaved family and pledged to cover all medical expenses for the injured. Consequently, the scale of the tragedy has prompted calls for greater crowd control and safety at political rallies.
Questions have emerged about the preparedness of local authorities and event organisers. A judicial inquiry led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan already investigates lapses and will recommend preventive measures.
Families of the victims, while expressing gratitude for the support, continue to demand answers and stricter safety norms for future public gatherings.
–IANS
