Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 28 : Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra on Sunday condemned the Karur stampede that claimed 40 lives and urged the Tamil Nadu government to act against those responsible.
"What happened yesterday at Karur is a very big tragedy. More than 40 innocent lives have been lost. My deepest condolences to them... I urge and demand that the government of Tamil Nadu take necessary actions against those responsible for this..." Vijayendra told ANI.
He added that both the government and the organisers must be held accountable. "I'm unsure whether the lapse is on the part of the government or the organiser. So it is a responsibility of both..." he said.
Vijayendra also spoke about the India-Pakistan Asia Cup final in Dubai, calling it "a dream come true for crores of Indians" and expressing confidence that India would win. "It's a dream come true for crores of Indians. India and Pakistan will face off in the finals today in Dubai. I wish all the best to our great Indian team, and we are confident that India will emerge victorious," he added.
Earlier in the day, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi visited the Government Medical College in Karur and met with those injured in the stampede. She emphasised that political parties must strictly adhere to the conditions for holding rallies.
"The Chief Minister has ensured that the district missionary and the party missionary are here to support... Even if the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister comes for a political rally, the party has to follow certain conditions. There's no one above it..." Kanimozhi told reporters.
She further mentioned that a commission has been appointed by the Chief Minister, MK Stalin, on the Karur stampede. "A one-woman commission has been appointed by the CM in this matter... Let her report come out..." added Kanimozhi.
The death toll from the stampede at actor Vijay's political rally for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu's 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.