Karur, Sep 30 (NationPress) An eight-member NDA delegation, headed by BJP MP and renowned actress Hema Malini, arrived in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday to investigate the events surrounding the tragic September 27 stampede at TVK chief Vijay's rally in Karur, which resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals, including women and children, and left over 60 injured.

The delegation, consisting of former Union Minister Anurag Thakur and various MPs from across the nation, engaged with affected families, local officials, and survivors prior to presenting their findings to BJP national president J.P. Nadda.

At Coimbatore airport, Hema Malini conveyed her heartfelt condolences and articulated the team’s mission to comprehend what transpired and propose measures to avert similar incidents in the future.

Anurag Thakur emphasized that the MPs would connect with the injured, families of the victims, and local authorities. “We are hopeful for the swift recovery of those hospitalized. We are taking our time – we want to meet everyone, ascertain the failures, and ensure such an event is never repeated,” he remarked.

Tamil Nadu BJP leaders, including former state president K. Annamalai and current chief Nainar Nagenthran, accompanied the NDA team.

Annamalai mentioned on his social media, “The 8-member committee designated by our BJP4India National President Thiru JPNadda conducted a thorough on-ground assessment of the circumstances leading to the stampede in Karur during the TVK rally and spoke to many eyewitnesses of this heartbreaking event.”

The stampede in Karur occurred as a large crowd surged forward following Vijay’s speech, resulting in panic and a catastrophic crush in the congested venue. The incident has left the state and the nation in shock, with images of mourning families widely circulated.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who implemented relief measures and announced financial compensation, characterized the event as “an unimaginable tragedy that has inflicted profound sorrow.”

He pledged that the government would act on the findings of a single-member commission led by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to establish safety protocols for public gatherings.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, while expressing condolences for the deceased, called for strict accountability. “It is appalling that such an oversight could occur at a political rally. The government must take responsibility and ensure the safety of attendees at such events,” he stated.

Vijay, who also pledged financial compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the families of the deceased, expressed that he was “heartbroken beyond words.” The TVK leader called for a thorough and impartial investigation and assured full cooperation with the authorities.

The NDA MPs are set to visit the stampede site in Velayuthampalayam and hospitals treating the injured before returning to brief the party’s senior leadership.