Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced immediate relief measures and a formal inquiry following the tragic stampede during actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, which resulted in the loss of at least 36 lives and left over 60 others injured.

What compensation has been announced?

In a statement released on Saturday, Chief Minister Stalin declared that the state government would provide a financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to the family of each individual who lost their life in the incident. Additionally, those who sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospitals will be given ₹1 lakh each.

To investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede, the Chief Minister has constituted a commission of inquiry. The panel will be chaired by retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan, who previously headed the commission that examined the 2018 Thoothukudi police firing incident.

What actions are being taken for relief?

Chief Minister Stalin has directed the Collectors of Tiruchirapalli, Salem, and Dindigul to proceed to Karur and coordinate relief efforts. The state government is mobilising medical teams and emergency services to provide immediate assistance to the victims.

As of now, the inquiry is in its preliminary stages. The commission is expected to gather testimonies from witnesses, review security footage, and examine crowd management protocols to determine the factors that contributed to the tragedy.