Kamal Haasan visits Karur, meets families of stampede victims, praises police

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan on Monday visited the site of the September 27 stampede in Tamil Nadu’s Karur that left 41 people dead. Calling it a “tragedy,” Haasan said the organisers must accept responsibility instead of shifting blame.

Haasan interacted with officials and met families of those affected by the incident, which occurred during a rally organised by actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay.

“The case is in court, and we shouldn’t speak on it. Many have already spoken a lot,” Haasan told reporters after meeting families of the victims. “We came here to ensure they get justice and to express our condolences. Now, instead of asking questions, it’s time to ensure such an incident never happens again,” he said.

Haasan said he was not here to praise anyone but thanked the authorities for not allowing the event atop the bridge. “Or else, it would have been an unforgettable black mark,” he remarked, adding that the Chief Minister had



acted respectfully and deserved appreciation.

Defending the police, Haasan urged the public to allow them to do their job. “Don’t complain about the police when we should thank them. They are doing their duty,” he said.

On Opposition claims of a security lapse, the MNM chief said, “See who is making this claim. Try seeing it neutrally. My party is centrist. As citizens of Tamil Nadu, everyone knows what happened. Don’t pick sides other than that of the people.”

Vijay, whose maiden state-wide tour ended in the stampede in its third week, has not yet visited the bereaved families.

Following directions from the Madras High Court, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Inspector General of Police Asra Garg has been formed to probe the tragedy. The court also criticised Vijay for leaving the venue soon after the incident and imposed a temporary ban on public meetings and rallies along state and national highways until the government establishes a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).