CHENNAI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay on Sunday announced a financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of those who have lost their lives in the Karur stampede, which killed at least 39 people. He also announced Rs 2 lakh each to those who suffered injuries in the stampede.
"I know this is not a large amount in the face of such loss. Yet at this time, it is my duty as one of your own to stand with you in spirit," said Vijay.
The TVK leader said his heart and mind are unbearably heavy thinking of what happened in Karur. "In the immense grief of having lost our loved ones, I do not know how to express the pain I feel. My eyes and mind are clouded with sorrow", he added.
Vijay said he prayed that all those injured and undergoing treatment recover swiftly and return home. “I also assure you that Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam will firmly extend every possible assistance to all our loved ones who are under treatment", he added.
The Tamil Nadu government had announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Chief Minister MK Stalin said Rs 1 lakh will be given to each of those undergoing intensive treatment in hospitals.
He also announced that a one-member Commission of Inquiry, headed by retired High Court Judge Aruna Jegadeesan, will be constituted immediately to investigate the tragic incident and submit a report to the government.
Earlier, the Director General of Police/Head of the Police Force (in charge), G Venkataraman, said that TVK functionaries had sought permission to hold the rally in Karur in the Lighthouse Roundabout or the Uzhavar Sandhai area for about 10,000 people. However, according to police sources, more than 50,000 people had gathered at the venue.
The venue lacked adequate food and water for the crowd that had gathered since 11 am, and the actor arrived only at 7.40 pm, Venkataraman added.