CHENNAI: The death toll in the stampede at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay's rally in Karur, about 400 km away from Chennai, rose to 40 on Sunday. At least 16 women and 10 kids were among those who suffocated to death at the actor-politician's heavily-crowded rally.
Around 95 people who suffered injuries are admitted to the Karur Government Hospital. They are now stable, except for one, said Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P Senthil Kumar.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a Commission of Inquiry to be led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into the incident. He reached Karur by midnight.
Hours after the tragedy, actor-politician Vijay expressed profound grief, extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. “My heart is shattered," Vijay wrote on X.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has sought a report on the stampede from the Tamil Nadu government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Stalin to take stock of the situation post-stampede at Karur and assured all possible central help.