Two days after a deadly stampede at his political rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur claimed 41 lives, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Tuesday expressed grief in an emotional video released on X. However, he said he did no wrong and his political journey will continue.
"I did not do any wrong; my political journey will continue with renewed vigour," Vijay said. "The police have arrested a few TVK party members over lapses resulting in the stampede. "You may do anything to me, I will be at my home or office."
Vijay also said he hasn't visited the affected persons so far, as his presence there would lead to an "unusual situation."
"I have never faced such a painful situation in my life. I am in deep pain... Leaving aside all politics, we always request permission from the police for a safe place. But things that shouldn't have happened have happened... I will soon meet the victims... I convey my deepest condolences to the family who are grieving due to the loss... My party functionaries have been arrested by the police... Chief Minister, sir, I request you—please do not harm my party functionaries. You may come to my house or my office and take any action against me, but not against them... Soon, every truth will come out," he said.
The incident, described as a “stampede-like crush” by the district administration, occurred at Velusamypuram on the Karur–Erode highway, where thousands had gathered for Vijay’s ‘Velicham Veliyeru’ ('Let There Be Light') campaign meeting.
"I didn't visit Karur as it would lead to an unusual situation. I will meet you (families of victims, the injured) soon," he said.
Meanwhile, a delegation of MPs from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) inspected the site of the incident at Velusamypuram on Tuesday. They also visited the Karur Government Medical College Hospital and interacted with those injured in the stampede.
The eight-member fact-finding team was led by MP and actor Hema Malini, and includes former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, MPs Tejasvi Surya, Brij Lal, Aparajita Sarangi, Rekha Sharma, Shrikant Shinde of the Shiv Sena, and Putta Mahesh Kumar of the Telugu Desam Party.
"It is sad to see 41 people, including 17 women and small children, have died. Who is responsible, whether organisers or the administration, we have to find out. We also do political rallies and campaigns, but the administration and police are there. Here, only ten thousand people could have been accommodated, but they are saying over 30,000 gathered. Vijay is famous, and it was his responsibility to ensure that not many people came. I have also been told he asked for another place, but was allotted this very narrow space for the campaign," said Malini.
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