NewKerala.com

Key Points

Chief Minister Stalin expressed gratitude to Rahul Gandhi for his concern about the Karur stampede. The tragic incident occurred during actor Vijay's political rally, claiming at least 40 lives. Stalin visited the hospital and announced compensation for victims' families. Political leaders across parties have called for thorough investigation and crowd safety reforms.

Key Points: Stalin Thanks Rahul Gandhi for Karur Stampede Concern

  • Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for families of each deceased victim
  • The stampede occurred during actor Vijay's political rally in Karur district
  • Opposition leader Palaniswami blamed police for crowd control failures
  • Vijay expressed profound grief and announced separate compensation for victims
  • Commission of Inquiry led by retired judge to investigate circumstances
  • Overcrowding and sudden chaos triggered the deadly stampede incident
2 min read

CM Stalin thanks Rahul Gandhi for concern over TN stampede, promises full support to victims

Tamil Nadu CM expresses gratitude after Rahul Gandhi's phone call following Vijay rally stampede that killed 40. Full support announced for victims' families.

"Thank you, my dear brother Thiru. @RahulGandhi, for reaching out to me over phone - M.K. Stalin"

Chennai, Sep 28

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on Sunday, expressed gratitude to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for reaching out to him over the phone after the devastating stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay's rally in Karur.

The Chief Minister said that Rahul Gandhi had conveyed heartfelt concern and enquired in detail about the measures being taken to save the lives of those under treatment.

"Thank you, my dear brother Thiru. @RahulGandhi, for reaching out to me over phone, conveying your heartfelt concern over the tragic incident in Karur, and sincerely enquiring about the measures taken to save the precious lives of those under treatment," Stalin posted on X, underlining the solidarity extended across political spectrum after the tragedy.

The stampede struck on Saturday night at Velluchamipuram in Karur district when thousands had thronged a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) campaign rally addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

According to officials, overcrowding and sudden chaos when the actor-politician was leaving the venue triggered the crush.

At least 40 people, including women and children, lost their lives, and dozens were injured.

Chief Minister Stalin, who rushed to Karur in the early hours of Sunday, visited the Government Medical College Hospital to meet the injured victims and their families.

He announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the kin of each deceased victims and assured that the retired judge-led Aruna Jagadeesan Commission of Inquiry would bring out the full circumstances behind the tragedy.

Opposition leader and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who also visited the hospital, blamed the state police for lapses in crowd control and demanded accountability.

Palaniswami said that adequate safety measures should have been enforced given the scale of Vijay's rallies.

Meanwhile, the TVK Chief expressed profound grief, calling the deaths "an irreparable loss" and announced Rs 20 lakh compensation to the families of those killed and Rs 2 lakh each to the injured.

Vijay urged his supporters to remain calm and assured assistance to victims' families.

The state government and police have faced intense scrutiny over security planning even as political leaders across parties called for fair investigation and urgent crowd safety reforms.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the solidarity is appreciated, serious questions need to be asked about crowd management. How can such large gatherings happen without proper safety protocols? This isn't the first time we've seen stampedes in political rallies.
A
Arjun K
CM Stalin's quick response and compensation announcement shows he's taking responsibility. The retired judge commission should ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in future. Safety of citizens should be top priority for all political parties.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has attended political rallies, I can say the crowd enthusiasm often overwhelms security arrangements. But basic safety measures like proper barricades and crowd flow management should be non-negotiable. Hope the inquiry brings real changes.
K
Karthik V
The compensation money won't bring back lost lives, but it's important support for families who lost their breadwinners. Hope the government also provides counseling and long-term rehabilitation for affected families. 🙏
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while political gestures are nice, what we need is action. Tamil Nadu should implement strict crowd management guidelines for all public events. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the entire country.

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