Death toll rises to 40 in Karur rally stampede; calls for independent probe grow

The death toll in the stampede at a rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur on September 27 rose to 40 on Sunday, with over 60 people admitted as inpatients, including two in critical condition, officials confirmed. The tragedy has drawn widespread attention and spurred calls for an independent investigation.

- MPOST BUREAU

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), headed by Vijay, approached the Madras High Court's Madurai Bench seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe or an impartial inquiry into the stampede. TVK also announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those injured, while Vijay expressed profound grief over the incident.

A police case has been filed under provisions including negligence against TVK office-bearers, and forensic teams have begun detailed examinations, including inspecting a sewer where two bodies were reportedly recovered. As a mark of respect, shops and commercial establishments across Karur remained closed.

The victims included ten children—five boys and five girls—17 women, and 13 men. Among them were a two-year-old boy, a 28-year-old woman and her two daughters under ten, and a 24-year-old couple who were due to be married soon.

Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, heading the single-person Commission of Inquiry set up by the Tamil Nadu government, visited a local hospital to meet affected families, inspected the stampede site, and consulted with officials overseeing relief and investigation efforts.