Karur Stampede Tragedy: CM Stalin’s First Reaction!

The horrific stampede that took place in leading Tamil star and TVK party President Thalapathy Vijay’s election rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, resulted in the deaths of 39 people on Saturday night. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has confirmed the death toll in an interaction with the media.

Soon after the shocking tragedy, CM Stalin reached Trichy in a flight and headed to Karur government hospital by road. He paid homage to the deceased and consoled the family members of the deceased and the injured civilians. CM Stalin also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the family members of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each to the injured.

Addressing the media, CM Stalin didn’t resort to political mudslinging and didn’t launch an attack on Vijay, a move that’s winning everyone’s hearts. The DMK chief said that Tamil Nadu has never witnessed such a large number of people losing their lives in a program organized by a political party.

“I am standing here with deep sorrow. I am unable to describe the horrific accident that took place in Karur. Around 7:45 pm last night, while I was in Chennai in a meeting with officials, I received the news about this grave tragedy. I immediately instructed former Minister Senthil Balaji and other ministers to visit the grieving families at the hospital,” the CM said. The veteran leader also said that the truth will come out only with an official inquiry and set up an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge.

“I do not wish to say anything with a political motive. The truth will come out through the inquiry commission. Once the truth is revealed through the inquiry commission, strict action will definitely be taken,” he added. “Currently, 51 people are undergoing treatment in the ICU. With a heavy heart, I pay homage to those who have lost their lives,” he concluded.