What Happened in Karur? Death Toll Climbs to 41 After Woman Dies from Injuries
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Synopsis
In a heartbreaking incident at a political rally in Karur, the death toll from a stampede has tragically risen to 41. As the community mourns, leaders express their condolences and promise support for the victims' families. What safety measures will be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future?
Key Takeaways
- Death toll rises to 41 in Karur stampede.
- Victim was 65-year-old Sukuna from Velusamipuram.
- Over 80 injured, many critically.
- Compensation announced for victims' families.
- Judicial inquiry into safety measures initiated.
Karur, Sep 29 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from the tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) campaign rally in Karur has tragically increased to 41 following the death of a woman who succumbed to her injuries.
The victim, 65-year-old Sukuna from Velusamipuram, passed away late Sunday night after being unaccounted for following the rally. Relatives discovered she had been admitted to the intensive care unit of the Karur Government Hospital, but, unfortunately, despite medical efforts, she could not be saved.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Velayudhampalayam, where a large crowd had gathered to listen to Vijay. Witnesses reported that the crowd exceeded safe limits, leading to chaos as individuals pushed to see the TVK leader. A brief power outage reportedly exacerbated the situation, causing panic among attendees. Many people became trapped in narrow exits; numerous individuals fainted and were trampled. By Sunday evening, 34 bodies had been identified and returned to families, while over 80 others sustained injuries, some severely. Emergency services faced challenges transporting victims to hospitals, with ambulances operating throughout the night.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep condolences, stating she was “saddened by the tragic loss of lives in Karur” and offered her sympathies to the grieving families while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the occurrence as “heart-rending” and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), along with Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who arrived in Karur shortly after the incident, labeled it “an unprecedented loss of innocent lives.” He declared Rs 10 lakh as compensation for each deceased family and initiated a judicial inquiry led by retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate safety failures.
Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, visiting survivors and victims' families, demanded accountability from the state government, asserting that police and intelligence failed to predict the large turnout and adequately ensure safety.
Vijay referred to the deaths as “an irreparable loss” and expressed that his heart was “overwhelmed with profound sadness.”
He promised personal compensation of Rs 20 lakh per bereaved family and Rs 2 lakh for the injured, vowing to support victims in every way possible. Authorities have initiated investigations into the disaster, focusing on crowd control and safety measures for large political gatherings.
Point of View
It is essential to emphasize that while the tragic events in Karur have elicited widespread sympathy, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. A thorough investigation will provide clarity on accountability and safety protocols surrounding large events.
NationPress
29/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the stampede in Karur?
The stampede occurred during a rally when the crowd exceeded safe limits, leading to chaos as attendees pushed to see the speaker, compounded by a brief power outage.
How many people were injured in the incident?
Over 80 individuals sustained injuries, with several in critical condition.
What assistance is being offered to the victims' families?
The Prime Minister has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased's families and Rs 50,000 for the injured, while Vijay has pledged Rs 20 lakh for bereaved families.
Is there any investigation into the incident?
Yes, a judicial inquiry has been initiated to identify safety lapses that led to the tragedy.
What measures will be taken to ensure safety at future events?
Authorities will focus on improving crowd management and safety protocols for large political gatherings to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
