“Time To Apologise, Accept Mistake”: Kamal Haasan Visits Karur Stampede Site
Chennai:
Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan on Monday visited Karur to meet the families of the victims of the September 27 stampede at a TVK rally led by actor-politician Vijay. The tragic incident claimed 41 lives and left over 50 injured, marking one of the worst political event disasters in recent memory.
At the site, Kamal Haasan said it was time for those responsible to show accountability.
“It’s time to apologise. Time to accept mistakes,” he stated. “I’ve come to express condolences to the victims of the Karur tragedy. Don’t see them as numbers — see them as mothers, sisters, and elders.”
Haasan, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, added that the investigation is ongoing and the matter is sub judice, so it would be inappropriate to make premature comments.
“I’m a centrist and a citizen of Tamil Nadu. Let’s not take sides; if we must, let’s take the people’s side,” he said, while also praising Chief Minister MK Stalin for his “exemplary leadership” during the crisis.
Investigation and Legal Action
Following the stampede, two TVK functionaries, including district secretary Mathiyazhagan, have been arrested, while senior leaders Bussy Anand (General Secretary) and Nirmal Kumar (Deputy General Secretary) are absconding after being denied anticipatory bail by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
They, along with others, have been booked under charges including attempt to murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering public safety.
The High Court has directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IG Asra Garg to probe the case. It also criticised Vijay for leaving the venue after the incident and temporarily suspended all political rallies along state and national highways until a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is framed.
The State government has also set up a single-member inquiry commission headed by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the tragedy and propose new safety guidelines.
Relief Measures and Political Fallout
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and ₹1 lakh for the injured.
Vijay, whose Tamila Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is facing intense criticism, announced a ₹20 lakh relief for the deceased’s families and ₹2 lakh for the injured from party funds.
Amid mounting backlash, Vijay alleged a political conspiracy by the ruling DMK, a claim both the DMK and State Police have firmly denied, accusing the TVK chief instead of violating safety protocols and using the rally for political mileage.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
