Two days after the massive tragedy that unfolded in Tamil Nadu's Karur during Vijay's political rally that led to the death of 41 people, the BJP had appointed an eight-member panel led by MP and veteran actor Hema Malini to probe into the issue and submit findings related to it.
Other leaders in the delegation, constituted by BJP chief JP Nadda, include Anurag Thakur, Tejasvi Surya and Braj Lal, Aprajita Sarangi, Rekha Sharma, Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde and Putta Mahesh Kumar from Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
The delegation had arrived in Coimbatore on Tuesday and travelled to the stampede site at Velayuthampalayam in Karur via car. They are expected to meet affected families, enquire about what transpired on the day and the aftermath of the accident after which they would present their report to the BJP central leadership.
Speaking to reporters outside the Coimbatore airport, Hema Malini said, "We want to know what really happened in Karur that day. We have also come to hear the opinions of the local people regarding this. Moreover, we intend to go directly to the families of those who lost their lives and express our deep condolences."
Atleast 41 people died and over 60 others were injured in the stampede that broke out during the political rally of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam on Sunday. The incident happened at Velayuthampalayam in Karur when thousands thronged to catch a glimpse of their star in person. According to sources, of the 41 dead, 18 were women and 14 men. Nine were children, including five girls.
Vijay had expressed his deep sorrow in the aftermath of the stampede and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those injured. Several political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MK Stalin, Rahul Gandhi, and Amit Shah, among others condoled the deaths of those who passed away in the incident and expressed their sadness. While MK Stalin said the state government will frame new safety guidelines for public rallies, AIADMK general secretary and former CM Edappadi K Palaniswami demanded a transparent investigation.
The Tamil Nadu police has made its first arrest regarding the incident on Monday. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's district secretary Mathiazhagan was arrested to probe about the case. Two other TVK office bearers have also been named in the FIR.