India News : A massive tragedy struck on Sunday evening during a political rally organized by Tamil Nadu Vetri Kalagam (TVK) party chief and actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay in Karur district. A stampede at the “Velicham Veliyeru” rally in Velusamipuram claimed 39 lives, including 8 children and 16 women, while more than 50 others were injured and are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
The incident has left the nation shocked. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Relief and Probe Announced
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured. The state government has also ordered an inquiry headed by retired High Court judge Aruna Jagatishan.
National Leaders React
President Murmu said she was deeply saddened and prayed for the injured. Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed sorrow and extended condolences.
Joseph Vijay, whose rally turned tragic, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his “heart is shattered” and the incident has caused him “unbearable pain.” He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami called the incident “deeply saddening,” stating that the loss of over 39 lives in a public gathering was heartbreaking. He directed former minister Vijayabhaskar to extend help to the injured admitted to government hospitals.
This tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the state’s political atmosphere, raising questions on crowd management and safety measures during large-scale rallies.
