Chief Minister Stalin and Son Visit Karur After Tragic Welfare Stampede Claims Four Lives

In a somber turn of events that has cast a shadow over Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accompanied by his son and Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Udhayanidhi Stalin, rushed to Karur to personally assess the aftermath of a devastating stampede. The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday, claimed the lives of four women and left several others injured, sending shockwaves across the state.

The calamity unfolded during an event organized to distribute free tokens for welfare assistance, a scheme initiated by local MLA and Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise, V.

Senthilbalaji. A massive crowd had gathered near the Thanthai Periyar College Ground in Karur, eager to receive the promised aid. However, the sheer volume of people, coupled with inadequate crowd management, led to a chaotic surge, culminating in the deadly stampede.

Witnesses described scenes of pandemonium as individuals were caught in the crush, struggling for breath.

The four women who lost their lives were identified as M. Pappa (60), R. Gandhi (70), S. Valli (60), and A. Irumbukali (60), all residents of the area who had come with hopes of receiving assistance. The injured were swiftly transported to local hospitals, with some reportedly in serious condition, requiring urgent medical intervention.

Upon his arrival, Chief Minister Stalin, visibly distraught, first visited the mortuary where the bodies of the deceased were kept.

He offered his condolences to the grieving families, extending words of comfort during their unbearable loss. Following this, he proceeded to the government hospital to meet with the injured, inquiring about their well-being and assuring them of the best possible medical care.

Addressing the press, CM Stalin expressed profound grief over the incident, reiterating his government's commitment to supporting the victims and their families.

He promptly announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of each deceased person. Additionally, those who sustained serious injuries would receive Rs 50,000, and individuals with minor injuries would be compensated with Rs 10,000. Beyond monetary relief, the Chief Minister also ordered a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that led to the stampede.

He emphasized the critical need for officials to implement stringent crowd control measures and foolproof arrangements for public events to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from recurring.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in managing large public gatherings, especially when welfare benefits are involved.

As the community grapples with the loss, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and implementing robust safety protocols to safeguard citizens in future public programs across Tamil Nadu.