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Key Points

Retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan has arrived in Karur to lead the investigation into the tragic stampede. The incident occurred during actor Vijay's political rally and has claimed 40 lives so far. Both state and central governments have announced substantial compensation packages for victims' families. The commission aims to identify security failures and recommend measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Key Points: Judge Aruna Jagadeesan Arrives Karur for Vijay Rally Stampede Probe

  • Death toll rises to 40 in stampede at actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally
  • Tamil Nadu government announces Rs 10 lakh compensation for deceased families
  • PM Modi approves Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia payment from PMNRF for victims
  • Justice Jagadeesan commission to investigate overcrowding and security lapses
3 min read

Retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan arrives in Karur for stampede probe

Retired judge begins investigation into Karur stampede that killed 40 at Vijay's political rally. Commission aims to prevent future tragedies through thorough inquiry.

"The commission has been set up to address shortcomings. Incidents like this should not occur in the future - Justice Aruna Jagadeesan"

Karur, September 28

Retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan, appointed by the Tamil Nadu government to lead a one-member Commission of Inquiry into the Karur stampede, landed at Trichy airport on Sunday evening.

From Trichy airport, she travelled to Karur by road.

In a brief interaction with the media after reaching Karur, she said, "The commission has been set up to address shortcomings. Incidents like this should not occur in the future, and the necessary remedial measures will be taken."

The death toll from the stampede at actor Vijay's political rally for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur on Saturday evening has risen to 40.

Karur Collector M Thangavel confirmed on Sunday that at least 40 people died in the incident. The state government announced immediate relief measures, including a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those undergoing medical treatment. Emergency teams and doctors were deployed to provide urgent care, and hospital facilities were strengthened with additional beds to manage the influx of patients.

Addressing a press conference alongside ADGP (Law and Order) S Davidson Devasirvatham, the Collector said, "A total of 40 people have died in the stampede so far. The Chief Minister arrived immediately at night and ordered proper treatment for the injured. He announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those receiving treatment. A help desk has been opened at the hospital... The Tamil Nadu government has taken steps to prevent further deaths."

The massive crowd at Vijay's rally reportedly turned chaotic, triggering panic. Several attendees fainted and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Sources had said that overcrowding at the venue led to the tragedy.

Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur late Saturday night, met the injured, and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. He announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each family of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each person undergoing treatment.

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

Meanwhile, TVK chief and actor Vijay announced financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh for each bereaved family and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced ex-gratia payments from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. He also announced an amount of Rs 50,000 each for the people injured in the tragic incident.

"PM Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO posted on X.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara expressed condolences over the tragedy, calling it unfortunate and emphasising the need for better security arrangements at large gatherings.

Speaking in Tumakuru, he said, "More security should have been provided for such programs. I do not know how the organizers and security were organized for that program, and I cannot comment on it...It is not right for me to comment without knowing about that incident. He said that more security has been taken for the program to be held in Tumkur for the Tumkur Dasara program," Parameshwara said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While compensation is important, what we really need is accountability. How did the administration allow such overcrowding? This isn't the first time such incidents happen in India. Need strict implementation of safety norms.
S
Sarah B
Heartbreaking to read about the rising death toll. The immediate response from both state and central governments with compensation is commendable, but prevention is always better than cure. My condolences to all affected families.
A
Arjun K
Good to see actor Vijay taking responsibility and offering substantial financial aid. But money can't bring back lives. Political parties must invest in proper event management and security arrangements. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
The Karnataka Home Minister made a valid point about security arrangements. We need nationwide standards for crowd management at large gatherings. This commission's findings should lead to concrete safety protocols.
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, I feel the compensation amounts vary too much between different sources. A uniform compensation policy for such tragedies would be more dignified for the affected families. The focus should be on preventing such incidents entirely.

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