Chennai : TN stampede ex gratia will be provided, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic stampede at the TVK campaign meeting in Karur that left 36 people dead and more than 58 injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday night when a massive crowd gathered to hear TVK chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay speak, which subsequently sparked sudden chaos and a deadly crush.
In a statement late Saturday night, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. “This is an unprecedented tragedy. My deepest sympathies are with the bereaved families. Furthermore, the government stands by them in this painful moment,” Stalin said.
Announcing immediate relief, Stalin declared an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the families of each deceased person. Additionally, he added that those seriously injured and undergoing treatment at various hospitals will receive Rs 1 lakh each.
Moreover, Stalin directed the government to fully cover all medical expenses for the injured.
To determine the causes of the tragedy and prevent future incidents, Stalin ordered a judicial inquiry commission headed by retired Madras High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. The panel will investigate crowd management, event safety measures, and lapses, and it will submit a detailed report to the government.
Top officials, including School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, immediately rushed to Karur to coordinate rescue and treatment efforts.
Meanwhile, additional doctors and paramedics mobilised from nearby districts, and authorities arranged special intensive care for critically injured victims. Furthermore, District Collectors from Tiruchirapalli, Namakkal, and Erode joined with emergency response teams.
Finally, the Chief Minister will travel to Karur tonight to personally console grieving families and meet the injured.
Police cordoned off the venue and launched an investigation into how crowd control collapsed. Meanwhile, authorities urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours while emergency relief and medical assistance continue.
–IANS
