Karur Stampede : Death Toll Rises To 40 ; Facing Backlash TVK Seeks CBI Or Independent Probe; Mallikarjun Kharge Expresses Anguish Over Deaths

File Picture

The toll in the September 27 stampede at actor-politician Vijay-led rally in Karur in western Tamil Nadu climbed to 40  with over 60 being treated as in-patients, and at least 2 were critical, officials said.

As the toll mounted, Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) moved the Madras high court Madurai Bench seeking a CBI or an independent probe into the stampede. Vijay, facing flak from various quarters, also announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of the victims, while expressing profound grief over the incident that left 40 dead.

The Karur police booked a case under provisions including negligence against TVK office-bearers and forensic experts commenced probe and covered spots like a sewer where a couple of bodies were allegedly found. Traders, shops and commercial establishments in Karur downed the shutters as a mark of respect to the deceased.

Ten children–5 boys and as many girls, 17 women and 13 men have died.

Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, who leads the single-person Commission Of Inquiry constituted by the Tamil Nadu government, visited a Karur hospital, spoke to the affected people and also inspected the scene of stampede and inquired with officials.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on X had expressed his deep anguish over loss of lives in the stampede