Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed profound grief on Sunday over the tragic stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, which claimed 39 lives. Addressing reporters, he said that such a large-scale loss of life at a political event is unprecedented in the history of the state.

“I am standing here with deep sorrow. I am unable to describe the horrific accident that took place in Karur. Yesterday, around 7:45 pm, while I was in Chennai speaking with officials, I received the news that such an incident had occurred. As soon as I received the information, I called former Minister Senthil Balaji, asked him to inquire, and instructed him to go to the hospital. When I heard the news about the death toll, I instructed the nearby ministers to go to Karur,” CM Stalin said.

The Chief Minister confirmed that 39 people lost their lives in the tragedy and assured that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. “So far, 39 people have died. In the history of our state, never has such a large number of people lost their lives in a program organised by a political party, and such a tragedy should never happen in the future either,” he said.

CM Stalin further reported that 51 people are currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. “With a heavy heart, I pay homage to those who have lost their lives. A compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased. A compensation of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to those who were injured. I have ordered the formation of an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge,” he added.

He refrained from making any political comments, emphasizing that strict action will be taken once the inquiry commission uncovers the truth behind the incident. “The truth will come out through the inquiry commission. I do not wish to say anything with a political motive. Once the truth is revealed through the inquiry commission, strict action will definitely be taken,” CM Stalin stated.

Late Saturday night, CM Stalin visited the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur to meet the injured and pay tribute to the victims. He also met with the families of those who lost their lives. Following the incident, he travelled from Chennai to Trichy by air and then proceeded to Karur by road to personally oversee the situation.