TVK chief Vijay says his ‘heart is shattered’ after 39 lives lost in Karur rally tragedy; Tamil Nadu CM Stalin announces ₹10 lakh compensation, inquiry commission formed
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), September 28: The Karur stampede during actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally has left Tamil Nadu shaken, with 39 lives lost, including women and children, and several others injured. The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from leaders across the nation, with Vijay himself penning an emotional note of condolence.
Taking to X, Vijay wrote a deeply moving message, saying his heart was broken beyond words. “My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” the TVK chief posted.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin described the incident as one of the darkest tragedies in the state’s political history. He announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured. Stalin also confirmed the formation of a one-member Commission of Inquiry headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident and submit a detailed report.
Expressing his sorrow, CM Stalin said in a statement, “On receiving the heartbreaking news that 39 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, I was deeply shocked and pained. These priceless lives lost have shaken all our hearts. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families who have suffered this irreparable loss. I have directed that all those admitted to hospitals for treatment must receive the best possible medical care.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, terming the tragedy “deeply saddening.” In a post on X, he said, “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.”
The Karur tragedy has sparked widespread mourning across the state and raised questions about safety measures at large political gatherings. For many, the haunting scenes from Karur will remain a painful reminder of the urgent need for stricter crowd management in mass events.