Karur stampede claims 36 lives, leaves several injured; Commission under retired HC judge to probe incident

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 28 (HBTV): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced compensation of INR 10 lakh each to the families of the victims after 36 people were killed in a stampede at TVK chief and actor Vijay's public rally in Karur on Saturday evening.

He also announced INR 1 lakh each to those undergoing medical treatment in hospitals.

The Chief Minister further said a one-member Commission of Inquiry, headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, will conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report to the government.

Expressing deep sorrow, CM Stalin conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. Terming the loss ‘irreparable,’ he assured that all necessary steps were being taken to support the victims.

‘On receiving the heartbreaking news that 36 people, including eight children and 16 women, lost their lives in the crowd crush at the political campaign meeting of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam in Karur today (27.09.2025), I was deeply shocked and pained,’ he said in a statement.

The Chief Minister directed District Collectors of Trichy, Salem, and Dindigul to rush to Karur with medical teams to assist. He added that he would personally visit Karur to meet the families of the victims and those receiving treatment.

The massive crowd at Vijay’s rally turned chaotic, leading to panic and a stampede. Several attendees fainted and were rushed to hospitals. Sources attributed the tragedy to overcrowding at the venue.

Following the incident, the Union Home Ministry sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling the incident ‘deeply saddening,’ and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, and Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi also expressed grief and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi described the loss as ‘tragic,’ urging party workers to support affected families and coordinate with authorities in relief efforts.

DMK leader Senthil Balaji, who visited Karur hospital following the CM’s instructions, said 31 people had been confirmed dead at that point, with 58 admitted to hospitals. He added that private hospitals had been instructed not to charge the injured for treatment.

(ANI)