'Deeply saddening': Political leaders across country mourn Karur stampede victims

Karur/Chennai: Political leaders across the country expressed shock and condolences after at least 38 people, including women and children, died in a stampede during a rally organised by Tamizhaga Vettru Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur, where party chief and actor-politician Vijay was addressing a massive crowd.

President Droupadi Murmu said she was “anguished” by the tragedy. “I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of those injured,” she posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “deeply saddening” and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims. “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, too, voiced grief, saying he was “deeply pained” by the loss of lives and wished strength to the families and a speedy recovery for the injured.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the incident “extremely sad,” offering condolences and assuring support. “Kerala stands with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief,” he said in a message.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed “deep distress” and urged Congress workers to assist the victims and their families. “We pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condoled the deaths, describing the loss of “precious lives” as tragic and urging party workers to support relief efforts.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin ordered a judicial inquiry led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan into the circumstances of the stampede. He also declared an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for those injured.