On Sunday, veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty expressed deep sorrow over the stampede that claimed at least 40 lives during a political rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday evening. In a message shared on social media, the Beeshma Parvam actor wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Karur. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing strength and a speedy recovery to those injured.”
The tragedy unfolded around 7.30 pm when a tree branch snapped as several attendees climbed it to catch a glimpse of Vijay. The fall triggered panic among the densely packed crowd, leading to a deadly stampede. Among the victims were at least 10 minors, including a two-year-old child. Most of the deceased were women and young people in their twenties and thirties. Over 150 others were injured.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to the injured. He also said a commission headed by retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan would probe the circumstances that led to the tragedy. Justice Aruna previously investigated the 2018 anti-Sterlite protest violence in Tuticorin.
The Karur Town police have registered a case against TVK general secretary N Anand, known as ‘Bussy’ Anand, and two others in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, Vijay’s party has demanded a CBI probe, alleging conspiracy, and has moved the Madras High Court seeking an independent inquiry. Reports suggest that the court has accepted an urgent motion for a hearing despite the puja holidays.
Vijay has announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh for the families of each of the victims and ₹2 lakh for those injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed condolences and declared financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
The aftermath at the rally site told its own story: piles of footwear, crushed water bottles, broken poles, and torn party flags littered the venue, now cordoned off with police barricades. Early morning walkers and locals were left in disbelief as they encountered the remnants of one of the State’s deadliest political rally tragedies in recent years.
President Droupadi Murmu and several film personalities, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Pa Ranjith, have also expressed their condolences.
