In the aftermath of the tragic stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur on September 27, the death toll has risen to 41, while over 60 people remain hospitalised, some in critical condition. New developments are surfacing, including a bomb threat at Vijay’s Neelankarai residence, amid ongoing investigations. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also reached out to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and TVK Chief Vijay, offering his condolences and enquiring about the situation. Here’s all you need to know:
Bomb Threat at Vijay’s Neelankarai Residence
Chennai Police received a call on Sunday claiming that a bomb had been planted at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s residence in Neelankarai, along ECR. According to ANI, police immediately rushed to the spot, and a bomb disposal squad was deployed. Experts are conducting thorough checks inside and around the premises. Visuals from the site showed a heavy security presence outside Vijay’s house.
Rahul Gandhi speaks to CM Stalin and actor Vijay
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and TVK president Vijay to convey his condolences after the Karur stampede. Stalin thanked Gandhi for his concern and reassured him that measures were being taken to save those still under treatment. Acknowledging Gandhi’s concern in a post on X, Stalin said: “Thank you, my dear brother Rahul Gandhi, for reaching out to me over the phone, conveying your heartfelt concern over the tragic incident in Karur, and sincerely enquiring about the measures taken to save the precious lives of those under treatment,” Stalin said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The Tamil Nadu government announced ₹10 lakh for each family of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured.
Karur stampede toll rises to 41
The death toll from the stampede at Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur on Saturday has climbed to 41. Suguna, 65, a Karur resident on ventilator support, succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, ANI reported. Among the deceased are 18 women, 13 men, five young girls, and five young boys.
So far, 34 victims were from the Karur district, two each from Erode, Tiruppur, and Dindigul, and one from Salem. The rally turned violent due to the massive crowd, with several people fainting and being rushed to nearby hospitals. Overcrowding at the venue was reported as the main reason behind the tragedy.
Legal proceedings and calls for probe
On Sunday, a petition was heard at the Madras High Court attempting to stop TVK from holding rallies until the official inquiry is complete. Justice N Senthilkumar heard the plea, which emphasised that allowing large gatherings without accountability could risk more lives.
Vijay also approached the court, requesting a CBI or SIT investigation into the tragedy, speaking about the need for an independent inquiry. Advocate S Arivazhagan, representing TVK, urged the court to ensure impartiality in the probe.
Compensation Announced by Vijay
After massive criticism directed towards the actor for moving through the crowd without grasping the situation and throwing water, further creating imbalance, Vijay announced financial aid of ₹20 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured.
Vijay posted an emotional message on X, saying, “My heart is shattered… Deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital.”
Mollywood stars like Mammootty and Mohanlal too expressed grief over the incident. Mammootty wrote that he was “deeply saddened” and extended condolences to families, while Mohanlal offered prayers for the deceased and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
“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,” Mammootty tweeted on X.
Investigations and FIR
Karur police have filed a case under provisions, including negligence, against TVK office-bearers. The FIR named district secretary Madhiazhagan, general secretary Bussy Anand, and joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar under sections for “culpable homicide and endangering life.” Forensic experts began investigations, including checking sewers where some bodies were reportedly found.
Crowd management concerns
BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore claimed TVK had permission for only 10,000 attendees, but more than one lakh gathered, causing the stampede. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor pointed out the repeated failures in crowd management and urged strict national protocols for large gatherings to prevent future tragedies.