NE NEWS SERVICE
KARUR, JULY 10
In an emotionally charged visit to Karur, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday handed over compassionate appointment orders to members of families who lost their loved ones in the 2025 Karur stampede, reaffirming his government’s commitment to rehabilitation even as judicial proceedings into the tragedy continue, including the ongoing CBI investigation and hearings before the Supreme Court on matters relating to the probe.
The stampede, which occurred on September 27, 2025, during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) election campaign rally on the eve of the Assembly elections, claimed 41 lives, making it one of the deadliest public tragedies in Tamil Nadu’s recent history.
- Chief Minister says the 2025 Karur tragedy remains an ‘unhealed wound’, distributes appointment orders to bereaved families and vows to prevent such disasters
- Government extends rehabilitation support as legal scrutiny continues; Supreme Court hears plea linked to the CBI investigation while compensation package remains in force
- Vijay questions the handling of the massive crowd by the then police machinery, alleges attempts to derive political mileage from the tragedy and promises accountability
- TVK to establish a memorial for the 41 victims; government reiterates commitment to long-term financial security for affected families
- Emotional visit marks Chief Minister’s first return to Karur after assuming office, drawing large public response during roadshow
- Rehabilitation, justice and remembrance emerge as the three pillars of the government’s response to one of Tamil Nadu’s worst public tragedies
The State Government had earlier announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh to each bereaved family, while TVK extended an additional ₹20 lakh as compensation.
Continuing the rehabilitation process, Vijay distributed compassionate appointment orders to eligible members of 32 affected families at a function held at Atlas Arena, with appointments made according to the educational qualifications of the beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister’s visit came against the backdrop of continuing legal proceedings. While the CBI is investigating the stampede, the matter has also reached the Supreme Court, where issues connected with the probe are under consideration. Separately, a petition challenging the State Government’s decision to provide permanent government employment to victims’ families was taken up by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which directed that, for the present, the beneficiaries may be offered temporary appointments pending further orders.
Addressing the gathering, an emotional Vijay said the tragedy continues to haunt him.
“My heartfelt greetings to all my brothers and sisters of Karur who live in my heart. No matter how high a person rises in life, the wounds and pain in the heart can never be forgotten. I stand before you today after overcoming many hardships and emotional scars.”
Describing the stampede as a deeply personal loss, he added:
“The Karur tragedy caused me immense mental anguish. I lost my brothers, my sisters and my innocent children in Karur. The incident remains an unhealed wound in my heart. They pinned the blame on me for the Karur incident, but I entered politics for the sake of the people, and I am determined to bring a permanent end to such tragedies.”
The Chief Minister questioned the crowd management during the rally and alleged lapses on the part of the then police administration.
“The police could have alerted us that the crowd was swelling and had become unmanageable. They had every right to cancel the meeting. Instead, they escorted us on the highway. I trusted the police fully and even thanked them at the meeting. I didn’t know about the drama. Who is responsible for this? Under whose instruction was all this done?”
Without naming the DMK directly, Vijay accused the then ruling establishment of attempting to derive “political mileage” from the tragedy and reiterated that accountability must prevail over politics.
Recalling that he could not immediately meet the bereaved families after the tragedy because of the prevailing circumstances, Vijay said he had later met and consoled them near Chennai and remained committed to standing by them throughout their rehabilitation.
Announcing another significant initiative, the Chief Minister said TVK would establish a memorial in honour of the 41 victims, ensuring that their memory remains a lasting reminder of the importance of public safety and responsible event management.
Vijay also reiterated his government’s resolve to fulfil every election promise, including the proposed welfare scheme to present a gold ring on behalf of the maternal uncle to newborns on the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai (Arignar Anna).
Launching a political attack on the Opposition, Vijay alleged that opposition members had walked out of the Assembly whenever the term “party fund” was mentioned and claimed corruption had significantly declined in government offices under his administration.
The Chief Minister later held a roadshow through Karur, receiving an enthusiastic response from residents who lined both sides of the roads to greet him.
The distribution of compassionate appointments, coupled with financial assistance, the proposed memorial and the continuing legal process, reflects the government’s effort to provide long-term rehabilitation while ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the Karur stampede are fully investigated and accountability is established.
