Kanchi victims, among Athi Varadar crowd, already had other health complications, says CM

Speaking about the deceased, Palaniswami said that Narayani (55) from Avadi, died while returning to her house after offering the prayers. Doctors who checked gave the report that Narayani was already suffering from blood pressure and diabetes.

Similarly, Natarjan (61), from Triplicane, too died on his way to his home. Doctors after checking him certified that Natarajan was suffering from blood pressure and heart ailment for four years and after checking his reports it was confirmed that he regularly obtained treatment from Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital in Chennai.

“Another deceased Gengalakshmi (61) from Guntur, too had severe blood pressure and so she too died while returning to her home. Anand (47) from Salem, who died was suffering from fits. After Anand fainted he was taken to the hospital but could not be saved,” said the Chief Minister.

He also said that Kanchipuram district administration had already instructed that pregnant women, senior citizens, people with ailments and medical complications, differently-abled people should stay away from the temple festival but as they continue to pour in large numbers resulting in such deaths. Despite the accidents government has taken all precautionary steps to ensure that people are safe in the festival.

Earlier in the evening, DMK President M K Stalin, raised the issue of death of four devotees in Athi Varadar festival. He said that four people died due to stampede and basic amenities are lacking in the temple. He also demanded government to issue compensation for the deceased.