Karur (Tamil Nadu): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday expressed deep grief over the Karur rally stampede that left 39 people dead during an event addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay.

Stalin said that "never has such a large number of people lost their lives in a program organised by a political party in the history of our State."

CM Stalin told reporters, "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."

Stalin confirmed that the Karur stampede death toll had risen to 39 and assured that such a tragedy "should never happen" 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. Currently, 51 people are undergoing 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 said.

The Chief Minister refrained from making political remarks and stressed that accountability will follow once facts are established.

"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," Stalin added.

On Saturday night, CM Stalin rushed to Trichy and then travelled by road to Karur, where he visited the Government Medical College and Hospital, met the injured, and paid tribute to the victims of the Vijay TVK rally incident.