Actor-turned-politician Vijay has penned a long statement on Sunday over the tragic stampede at his campaign rally in Karur on Saturday evening, which claimed the lives of at least 38 people, including 16 women and eight children, and left more than 150 others injured.
In a statement released through the official X handle of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Vijay wrote, "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."
Vijay went on to convey his deepest condolences while also reassuring the families of the victims that he stands with them during this difficult time. "The faces of all of you whom I have met keep flashing through my mind. The more I think of my loved ones who show affection and care, the further my heart slips from its place. My dear ones… While I express my deepest condolences with indescribable pain to you who are grieving the loss of our cherished loved ones, I also stand close to your hearts, sharing this immense sorrow."
Then, Vijay went on to announce the compensation that he is set to provide to the families of the deceased, as well as those who have sustained injuries. He wrote, "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 ended his note expressing prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured and healing for the families of the victims. "Likewise, I pray to God that all our loved ones who are injured and undergoing treatment recover swiftly and return home. I also assure you that our Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will steadfastly provide all necessary support to our loved ones under treatment. By the grace of God, let us strive to recover from all this."
The incident unfolded shortly after 7:30 pm when several attendees climbed a tree to get a better glimpse of Vijay’s speech. As the branches snapped, they fell onto the tightly packed crowd gathered about 50 metres away, setting off panic and chaos that turned fatal. Officials confirmed that men, women, and children were crushed in the stampede. The Tamil Nadu government has since announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased.
