Dual Shockwaves Hit Tamil Nadu: Hoax Bomb Threat at Actor Vijay's Home Amidst Deadly Karur Stampede

Tamil Nadu found itself grappling with a strange juxtaposition of events this past Friday, July 10, 2020, as a high-profile bomb scare involving actor Vijay's residence unfolded in Chennai, while a tragic stampede in Karur claimed four lives, underscoring critical public safety concerns.

The metropolis of Chennai was gripped by tension when the Police Control Room received a chilling call on Friday night.

An unidentified individual claimed a bomb had been planted at the Saligramam residence of popular actor Vijay. Promptly, a bomb disposal squad, accompanied by a vigilant dog squad and local police, rushed to the scene. A meticulous search of the premises was conducted, but thankfully, no explosive device was found, confirming the threat to be a hoax.

Further police investigation traced the origin of the alarming call to a man identified as Bhuvanesh, residing in Marandahalli, Villupuram district.

Authorities revealed that the caller was reportedly mentally unstable. At the time of the incident, actor Vijay was away, immersed in the shooting for his much-anticipated film, 'Master', in Neyveli.

Simultaneously, a devastating tragedy unfolded in Karur during a relief distribution event organized by AIADMK leader and former minister M.R.

Vijayabhaskar. A massive crowd had gathered near the former minister's house to receive food packets and welfare assistance. The sheer number of people, coupled with what appeared to be inadequate crowd management, led to a chaotic push and shove, culminating in a stampede.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of four women – P.

Valliammal (65), K. Iraniam (75), K. Gandhimathi (60), and S. Sithiradevi (65). Additionally, ten other individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The local police acted swiftly, registering a case under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code (causing death by negligence) against M.R.

Vijayabhaskar and other individuals responsible for organizing the ill-fated event.

The stampede drew immediate condemnation from political figures. DMK President M.K. Stalin expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of lives and vehemently demanded stringent action against those accountable for the mismanagement.

He also urged the state government to provide a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased. In response, then Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 for others who sustained minor injuries.

These incidents collectively cast a spotlight on the critical need for robust public safety measures and meticulous event planning, especially when large gatherings are involved.