Following the stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally that claimed 41 lives, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has assured strict action based on the findings of a judicial inquiry commission. Meanwhile, TVK has demanded a CBI investigation into the matter.
The Chief Minister described the incident as unprecedented and expressed his deepest condolences. He further stated that the state government has already distributed relief funds of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased, while the injured are receiving medical assistance. He said, "What happened in Karur is unprecedented and should never have happened. I have never seen the pictures from the hospital."
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A one-member inquiry commission headed by former judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been formed to investigate the incident. Stalin said, "I assure you that the government's next steps will be based on the commission's report."
The Chief Minister appealed to the public and political parties to refrain from spreading rumors and misinformation on social media and stressed that no leader would want to allow the lives of any innocent, including their own workers, to be lost.
He said, "Regardless of their party affiliation, the victims are part of our Tamil family." Stalin announced that the government would soon formulate new rules and guidelines for political rallies and large gatherings.
He said that after the commission submits its report, these will be formulated in consultation with all parties and organizations.
The Chief Minister's assurance came on a day when TVK leader Adhav Arjun filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the state government not to prevent Vijay from meeting the families of the victims.
TVK has also demanded a CBI investigation into the tragedy and accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of conspiracy, a charge the party has strongly denied.
TVK lawyer Arivzhagan told the court, "We are demanding that the case be handed over to the CBI from the Karur Town police. The stampede was instigated by DMK workers. We have attached photographs and credible documents."
The petition is expected to be heard on Friday. Meanwhile, Chennai police received a phone call claiming a bomb had been planted at the Chennai residence of TVK chief Vijay.
Officials said police personnel immediately arrived at the scene and deployed a bomb disposal squad. Heavy security is deployed outside Vijay's residence.
The rally held on Saturday attracted a large crowd, but was also marred by several violations, including keeping the public waiting for more than seven hours, allowing uncontrolled crowds with inadequate water and food, and holding a road show without adequate permission.
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