From Stardom to Sympathy: Kamal Haasan’s Compassionate Stand After Karur Tragedy

Actor-turned-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam Chief Kamal Haasan visited the site of a tragic stampede in Karur on Monday, calling for accountability in the aftermath of the September 27 incident that claimed 41 lives and injured over 50 others. Addressing reporters after meeting the bereaved families, Haasan emphasized the human cost of the disaster, urging organizers to "apologize and accept the mistake" rather than deflect blame.

Haasan, a Rajya Sabha MP, refrained from delving into the ongoing investigation, noting that the matter is sub judice. "I've come to express condolences to the victims of the Karur tragedy. Don't see this as numbers—look at them as mothers, sisters, and elders," he said, positioning himself as a neutral observer.

As a self-described centrist and Tamil Nadu citizen, Haasan advocated taking the people's side over partisan lines. He commended Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for demonstrating "exemplary leadership" in handling the crisis, adding that any government must assume responsibility. However, he described the incident as a "shirking of responsibility" and cautioned against finger-pointing, highlighting the need for introspection amid the probe.

The rally, part of Vijay's maiden statewide tour in its third week, descended into chaos due to inadequate safety measures, according to preliminary findings. Tamil Nadu Police have arrested two TVK functionaries, including district secretary Mathiyazhagan, while senior leaders Bussy Anand (general secretary) and Nirmal Kumar (deputy general secretary) remain absconding after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court denied their anticipatory bail. The trio, along with unidentified others, face grave charges such as attemptedmurder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering public safety.

Vijay himself has not yet visited the victims' families, drawing further criticism. In response to the uproar, he alleged a conspiracy by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a claim dismissed by both the party and state police, who point to TVK's violations of safety protocols as the root cause.

Also Read: The Price of Spectacle: In Karur, the Crowd Paid With Its Life

In line with a Madras High Court directive, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Inspector General Asra Garg has been formed to examine the lapses, including Vijay's prompt departure from the venue post-incident. The court has temporarily banned public meetings and rallies along highways until the government drafts a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Complementing this, the state has established a single-member inquiry commission led by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to recommend guidelines for future events. Chief Minister Stalin has pledged swift implementation of these measures.

On the relief front, the government has provided Rs 10 lakh to each deceased's family and Rs 1 lakh to the injured, while TVK has committed Rs 20 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively, from its funds. Haasan's visit underscores the political ripples of the tragedy, amplifying calls for systemic reforms to prevent such avoidable losses in Tamil Nadu's vibrant electoral landscape.

Also Read: Vijay’s TVK Halts Rallies After Karur Stampede Kills 41 People