Tamil Nadu Stampede: Vijay Pledges ₹20 lakh Compensation to Families, Speaks With Rahul Gandhi
Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), mourned the loss of lives in a tragic stampede at his campaign rally.
At least 40 people died, including women and children, and over a hundred were injured in a stampede at actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur on Saturday, September 27. The tragedy has become a major flashpoint in Tamil Nadu ahead of the assembly elections next year.
Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), mourned the loss of lives in a social media post via his party's handle. The actor-turned-politician also announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh to families that have lost a loved one. Furthermore, a sum of ₹20 lakh will be paid to those who are injured and receiving treatment.
According to reports, the stampede in Karur alleged occurred when the crowd surged forth to get a glimpse of Vijay in his rally vehicle. Victims have claimed gross mismanagement at the rally, exacerbated by Vijay's delayed showing at the venue. A police investigation has been initiated against leaders of the TVK. Conversely, TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court, alleging a political conspiracy against Vijay and demanding a central investigation into the case.
Breaking his silence on the tragic incident, Vijay posted on social media, "Greetings to all who reside in my heart. In a way that defies imagination, thinking about what happened in Karur yesterday, my heart and mind are overwhelmed with profound heaviness. In the midst of the immense grief of losing our loved ones, I am at a loss for words to express the pain my heart endures. My eyes and mind are clouded with sorrow."
While expressing his 'deepest condolences', Vijay added that he stands close to the heart of his fans. "This is indeed an irreparable loss for us. No matter who offers words of comfort, the loss of our loved ones is unbearable. Yet, as a member of your family, I intend to provide 20 lakh rupees to each family that has lost a loved one and 2 lakh rupees to those who are injured and receiving treatment. This amount is, of course, not significant in the face of such a loss. Still, at this moment, it is my duty as one who belongs to your family to stand by you, my dear ones, with a heavy heart," he pledged.
Tamil superstars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan also expressed their sympathies on social media.
On Monday (September 29), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called up Vijay to extends his condolences over the death of his supporters, after speaking with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin the previous day, reported The Hindu.