Karur stampede victims get first phase of compensation

Nearly two weeks after the tragic Karur stampede, which occurred during a public event organised by the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, and triggered chaotic crowd surges, claiming 41 lives and injuring over 100 people, the first phase of financial relief from the DMK-led government has begun reaching the victims’ families. DMK MLA Senthil Balaji personally visited the homes of 45 affected families on Wednesday, distributing compensation cheques worth ₹50,000 each from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier announced a relief package of ₹10 lakh each for the kin of those who lost their lives, while the injured were promised financial aid ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh based on the severity of their injuries. Wednesday’s distribution marks the first installment of that compensation package.

District Collector Thangavel, along with several senior officials, accompanied Balaji during the visits. They enquired about the victims’ health conditions and assured families of continued government support. Many of the injured have since been discharged from hospitals and are recovering at home.

The stampede on September 27 during Vijay’s party event has not only raised serious questions about crowd control and safety measures but also triggered a political and legal storm in Tamil Nadu.

In response, the TVK has announced an additional relief of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and promised to support the medical expenses of the injured until full recovery, while also committing to provide long-term assistance to those who suffered permanent disabilities.

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea filed by TVK chief Vijay, through General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, demanding an impartial probe into the incident by a panel of retired Supreme Court judges. The plea, filed by advocates Dixita Gohil, Pranjal Agarawal, and Yash S. Vijay, challenged an October 3 Madras High Court order that directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising only Tamil Nadu Police officers, despite the court itself expressing doubts about the independence of the police probe.

The apex court’s decision on the matter could significantly influence how accountability is established for one of the worst public tragedies in recent Tamil Nadu history, with political stakes running high as Vijay’s TVK continues its rise in the state’s political landscape.