Tamil Nadu Government Sets Up Commission to Probe Karur Rally Deaths
Sep 28, 2025The Tamil Nadu government has constituted a one-member commission of inquiry headed by former High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the tragic stampede incident at a political rally organised by the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur, which claimed 39 lives. The incident occurred on Saturday during a massive gathering reportedly held to welcome actor-turned-politician and TVK founder Vijay.
According to the Director of Medical Education, 81 individuals are currently undergoing treatment across various hospitals. Of them, two are said to be in critical condition and are on ventilator support. The identification process of all deceased victims has been completed, and their mortal remains have been handed over to their families.
Condolences have poured in from political leaders across party lines, expressing grief over the tragic loss of lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of 2 lakh rupees each to the next of kin of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. An amount of 50,000 rupees will be provided to each of the injured.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who visited the hospital earlier on Sunday, assured that the government would take strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami visited the injured at the Karur Government Hospital. Speaking to reporters later, he criticized the state government for failing to provide adequate security and crowd management at the event.
State BJP President and MLA Nainar Nagendran, during a media interaction in Karur, demanded a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the tragedy, stating that a thorough and impartial investigation is essential.
Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) G. Venkataraman said, the party’s official social media account had mentioned that actor Vijay would arrive at noon, but he only reached the venue at 7:40 p.m. During that time, the crowd, which exceeded expectations, was left without food and water. He confirmed that TVK General Secretary N. Anand and four others have been booked in connection with the incident.
In a related development, TVK founder Vijay has announced financial assistance of 20 lakh rupees for the families of the deceased. In a statement following a closed-door meeting with party officials at Panaiyur in Chennai, he also pledged to cover all medical expenses for those injured in the stampede. Meanwhile, TVK has urged the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the Karur stampede case. However, Justice Dhandapani directed the party to file a formal petition before the court. The Bench, comprising Justices Dhandapani and Jothiraman, is expected to hear the petition tomorrow after 2 PM.
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