Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday to convey his condolences following the stampede in Karur. Chief Minister Stalin shared information about the conversation on X, expressing his gratitude to Rahul Gandhi. Stalin posted on his social media handle X, writing, “My dear brother Thiru Rahul Gandhi, thank you for contacting me on the phone and for expressing your deep concern about the tragic incident in Karur and for sincerely inquiring about the steps taken to save the lives of those being treated.”
The stampede occurred during a public gathering by actor-turned-politician Vijay Thalapathy in Karur on Saturday, resulting in 40 fatalities and over 70 injuries. The situation reportedly spiraled out of control due to overcrowding and limited exit routes. Some reports suggest a rumor about a missing child triggered the stampede.
The state government has announced financial aid for the families of the deceased and the seriously injured. A special medical team has been formed to treat the injured, and all hospitals have been put on alert. Actor Vijay has also declared financial assistance of ₹20 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured.
Opposition parties have criticized the Stalin government over the Karur incident. Leaders from the state’s AIADMK and BJP expressed their grief over the accident and criticized the government. They questioned how the government granted permission for such a large event, alleging that the accident occurred due to government negligence.
A high-level committee has been formed by Chief Minister Stalin to investigate the incident. The committee will determine the crowd control measures implemented at the event and identify the officials responsible for any negligence. Police have also begun collecting video footage and witness statements from the scene.