Daijiworld Media Network - Karur

Karur, Sep 29: The death toll from the stampede at Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur has climbed to 41, following the demise of 65-year-old Suguna, who was undergoing treatment in a hospital’s intensive care unit.

Among the deceased are 18 women, 13 men, five young girls, and five young boys. Most victims—34—are from Karur district, with others from Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul, and Salem districts. The massive crowd at Saturday’s evening rally reportedly turned chaotic, triggering panic and leading several attendees to faint and be rushed to nearby hospitals. Overcrowding at the venue has been cited as the main cause of the tragedy.

In response, TVK chief and actor Vijay announced financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh each to the bereaved families and Rs 2 lakh to those injured. In an emotional post on X, he said he was at a “loss for words” and the faces of the deceased kept flashing in his mind.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The PMO confirmed the announcement on X, stating, “PM Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also announced Rs 10 lakh for each family of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each person undergoing treatment, offering support to those affected by the tragic stampede.