Home Minister Amit Shah assures help as at least 36 die in Karur stampede at Vijay’s rally

In its communication to the Tamil Nadu government, the home ministry asked it to provide details about the situation leading to the stampede and what steps have been taken for the rescue and treatment of the victims, sources told news agency ANI.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday spoke with Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin following the stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, assuring all possible central assistance. The Home Ministry has also sought a detailed report from the state government on the causes of the incident and the steps being taken for rescue and treatment, ANI reported.

At least 36 people, including 8 children and 16 women, lost their lives in the crowd crush, according to Chief Minister Stalin. Dozens more are under treatment in hospitals.

Expressing “deep pain” over the tragedy, Shah joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi in conveying condolences to the families of the victims.

Stalin, who said he was “deeply shocked and pained,” announced that he will personally visit Karur tonight to meet bereaved families and the injured. Relief measures include ₹10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh each for those undergoing intensive treatment.

The Chief Minister has deputed the School Education and Health Ministers to Karur, while district collectors from Trichy, Salem, and Dindigul have been sent with medical teams.

To probe the causes of the stampede, Stalin ordered a Commission of Inquiry led by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan.

Hospitals in Karur remain on high alert as emergency services continue rescue and relief efforts.