Actor Vijay Meets Stampede Victims' Families, Offers Support and Apology for Karur Tragedy

On September 27, a tragic stampede at actor Vijay's political rally in Karur claimed the lives of at least 41 people.

Chennai:

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief Vijay became emotional on Monday during his meeting with families of victims who perished in the devastating stampede at his Karur rally last month.

While interacting with the bereaved families at a Mamallapuram resort near Chennai, Vijay expressed his deep remorse for the tragedy and apologized for not being able to visit Karur immediately following the incident.

Speaking to NDTV, one family member revealed that Vijay had promised them he would visit Karur.

According to sources, 37 of the 41 families who lost loved ones in the stampede traveled to meet the actor at the Mamallapuram resort.

Prior to their personal interaction with Vijay, family members were seated at round tables in what appeared to be a banquet hall before being escorted to meet the actor personally.

Four to five representatives from each family met with Vijay, who reportedly consoled each one individually.

The affected families shared that Vijay assured them of his continued support through the years. "Vijay said he'd travel with us through our lives," one member stated.

"I was guilty as I could not meet you. I couldn't think any further. Now that I've met you, I can move forward," Vijay told the family members during the emotional meeting.

Ahead of Diwali, the actor had transferred Rs 20 lakh as relief to each bereaved family.

Earlier, in a video message released days after the tragedy, the actor-turned-politician explained that he had avoided visiting the injured to prevent the situation from becoming more tense.

Vijay's statewide political tour remains suspended following the incident. Many observers believe today's meeting could gradually help the party resume its activities ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

On September 27, the stampede at his political rally in Karur resulted in 41 deaths and injuries to 50 others.

The Supreme Court has ordered a CBI investigation into the incident, even as state police and the ruling DMK attributed the tragedy to Vijay's delayed arrival, which they claim triggered the stampede. TVK has denied these allegations, calling them a conspiracy by the ruling DMK—a charge the latter has rejected.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to formulate Standard Operating Procedures within ten days for political rallies in the state.

Both the AIADMK and its ally, the BJP, have been attempting to court TVK following the tragedy, seeking a joint effort against the DMK. However, Vijay had previously ruled out any alliance with the BJP.