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Kamal Haasan visited Karur after the TVK rally stampede led by Vijay killed 41. MK Stalin praised for leadership. SIT and inquiry commission probe the tragedy.
Kamal Haasan: A cinematic genius. The actor-director-writer is known for his versatility and ground-breaking performances.
Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan on Monday said that it is “time to apologise, time to accept mistake”, as he visited the site of the stampede at a TVK rally, fronted by Vijay, in Karur to meet the families of the victims.
Forty-one people were killed and more than 50 were injured in the September 27 stampede at a rally addressed by Vijay, chief of the fledgling Tamila Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), marking one of the deadliest political event tragedies in India in recent years.
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While the State government has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for each family of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, Vijay has announced a relief of Rs 20 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively, from his party fund.
“I’ve come to express condolences to the victims of the Karur tragedy. Don’t see this tragedy as numbers. Look at them as mothers, sisters and the elderly. The investigation is underway. The matter is sub-judice; it is not right to comment on it now,” said Haasan, a Rajya Sabha MP.
“I’m a Centrist and a citizen of Tamil Nadu. Let’s not take sides in this issue. If we are to take sides, let’s take the people’s side,” he added.
The actor-turned-politician said Chief Minister MK Stalin “displayed exemplary leadership” and added that “we should thank him for that.” “Any government will take responsibility. But the matter is now sub judice,” he added.
Speaking to reporters, Haasan said the stampede was a shirking of responsibility and added, “Do not keep blaming somebody else.”
While Vijay, whose maiden statewide tour ended in disaster during its third week, has yet to visit the bereaved families.
Two, including district secretary Mathiyazhagan, have been arrested, while senior leaders Bussy Anand (General Secretary) and Nirmal Kumar (Deputy General Secretary) remain on the run after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court denied them anticipatory bail.
The three, along with several unnamed individuals, have been booked on serious charges, including attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering public safety.
In response to a High Court order, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg has been set up to investigate the incident. The court also criticised actor Vijay for departing the rally site immediately after the tragedy and directed a temporary halt on public gatherings and political rallies along state and national highways until the government establishes a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
A single-member inquiry commission has been constituted by the state government, which is headed by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. CM Stalin has assured that a model guideline for political rallies and public gatherings will soon be framed based on findings and recommendations by the commission.
(With inputs from agencies)
Karur, India, India
October 06, 2025, 19:21 IST
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