During the political rally of Vijay in Karur district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday, the death toll in the stampede has increased to 39, while 95 people have been injured. Health Secretary P. Santhil Kumar said that the condition of all the injured is stable, only one patient’s condition remains critical.
The accident happened when the huge crowd suddenly became uncontrolled and a stampede occurred. People present at the site of the incident say that a large number of people had reached the rally before the scheduled time.
The crowd could not be controlled due to late arrival and limited routes. Women and children were also involved in this stampede. 10 children and 17 women are being reported in the dead.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed deep condolences on the accident. He has announced an ex -gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and assistance of one lakh rupees to the injured. Along with this, the state government has set up an inquiry commission under the chairmanship of Justice Aruna Jagdishan, which will conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the hospitalized injured are undergoing treatment and the administration has arranged all necessary medical facilities. The central government has also sought a report from the state and the Union Home Minister has interacted with the Chief Minister and the Governor and inquired about the situation.
This painful incident of Karur has suddenly brought silence in the electoral atmosphere and has raised questions about how the safety and mob management of the rally launched.