Kurur: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met those injured in Saturday’s stampede in Karur at the Government Medical College and Hospital late Saturday night. At least 39 people died after a stampede broke out at a rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay in Karur.
CM MK Stalin paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the Karur stampede and also met the families of the victims. He landed in Trichy from Chennai and headed to Karuru by road following the incident.
Stalin said on Sunday that never before in the “history of our State” have so many people lost their lives at an event organised by a political party.
Tamil Nadu Stampede: CM Stalin expresses “deep sorrow”
CM Stalin told reporters, “I am standing here with deep sorrow. I am unable to describe the horrific accident that took place in Karur. Yesterday, around 7:45 pm, while I was in Chennai speaking with officials, I received the news that such an incident had occurred. As soon as I received the information, I called former Minister Senthil Balaji, asked him to inquire, and instructed him to go to the hospital. When I heard the news about the death toll, I instructed the nearby ministers to go to Karur.”
Tamil Nadu Stampede: Death toll rises to 39
CM Stalin put the death toll at 39 and assured that such a tragedy “should never happen” in the future.
“So far, 39 people have died. 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. Currently, 51 people are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. With a heavy heart, I pay homage to those who have lost their lives. A compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased. A compensation of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to those who were injured. I have ordered the formation of an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge.”
Tamil Nadu Stampede: CM Stalin vows strict action
He avoided making any political comments and promised strict action once the “truth is revealed” about the incident.
“The truth will come out through the inquiry commission. I do not wish to say anything with a political motive. Once the truth is revealed through the inquiry commission, strict action will definitely be taken.”
