My Heart Is Shattered: Vijay's First Reaction To Karur Stampede At TVK Rally

In the wake of the devastating crowd crush at his political party's rally in Karur, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay issued a deeply emotional statement on Saturday, expressing profound grief over the loss of life.

The tragedy, which occurred during a massive public gathering in Tamil Nadu's Karur district on Saturday evening, claimed the lives of 31 people and left 58 others injured.

Vijay Expresses 'Unspeakable Pain'

Vijay's first reaction conveyed a sense of overwhelming personal sorrow. In a statement released on the official page of his party TVK, he said, "My heart is shattered; I am struggling in unbearable, unspeakable pain and sorrow," the actor stated. "I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my beloved brothers and sisters who died in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital."

The incident reportedly occurred when a sudden surge of the crowd, estimated to be far larger than expected, rushed the barricades to catch a glimpse of the actor during his speech. However, he visited the hospital to victims.

He then headed to Chennai without talking to media over the stampede incident.

Government Announces Aid and Inquiry

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin responded swiftly to the tragedy, expressing deep shock and pain over the "irreparable" loss of life, which included eight children and 16 women.

The Chief Minister immediately announced a significant financial aid package for the victims and their families:

• ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of each person who died.
• ₹1 lakh financial aid for those undergoing medical treatment in hospitals.

CM Stalin assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to support the victims, including directing District Collectors from neighboring Trichy, Salem, and Dindigul to provide immediate medical assistance in Karur. The Chief Minister also stated that he would personally visit Karur to meet the bereaved families.

In addition to the financial support, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a one-member Commission of Inquiry to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the stampede. The commission will be headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, who previously led the high-profile inquiry into the 2018 Thoothukudi police firing. The commission has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report to the government.