Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Karur, meets victims and families of deadly stampede | VIDEO

Karur: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Karur on Monday, September 29, to meet with survivors and families of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally on September 27. The devastating incident claimed 41 lives and left over 50 people injured.

Sitharaman was accompanied by Union Ministers L. Murugan and Nainar Nagendran during her visit. She inspected the site of the tragic stampede at Velayuthampalayam, where thousands had gathered to attend the rally. She also visited hospitals to offer condolences and meet those injured in the catastrophic crush.

The tragedy unfolded when a massive crowd surged forward after Vijay’s speech, triggering panic and a deadly crush in the overcrowded venue. Among the victims were many women and children, with several critically injured currently undergoing treatment in hospitals.

Expressions of grief poured in from across the country following the incident. President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow and prayers for the families affected. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned an ex gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who rushed to Karur soon after the incident, met victims and their families at the Government Medical College Hospital and announced a state compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each bereaved family, along with promises of full government support.