Tumakuru (Karnataka): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday expressed condolences over the tragic stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which claimed the lives of 39 people and left several others injured during a political rally. Speaking to reporters in Tumakuru, Parameshwara described the incident as unfortunate and highlighted the need for better security arrangements during large public gatherings.
“More security should have been provided for such programs. I do not know how the organizers and security were organized for that program, and I cannot comment on it… It is not right for me to comment without knowing about that incident,” Parameshwara said. He added that enhanced security measures have been put in place for the upcoming Tumkur Dasara program.
Shashi Tharoor calls for national crowd management protocols
Earlier in the day, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed deep sorrow over the Karur stampede, calling attention to systemic flaws in crowd management in India. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor said,
“It is a very tragic and painful situation. Something is wrong in our country with crowd management. Every year, there seems to be an incident. We remember Bengaluru. It is very heartbreaking when we hear children being killed in these stampedes. For me, the argument is about what can we do as a systematic policy nationally to protect ordinary people.”
He urged both central and state governments to implement strict safety protocols for large gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future. Tharoor stressed the importance of rules and standards for managing crowds, especially at events involving celebrities, politicians, or public figures.
“At the same time I earnestly appeal to the central government and all state governments to agree on a set of very strict procedures governing all large crowds in any circumstances so that we do not needlessly suffer the grief and anguish of loved ones being lost in these terrible stampedes,” Tharoor added.
PM announces ex-gratia for victims and injured
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured. Families of the 39 victims will receive ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), while those injured in the incident will be given ₹50,000 each.
Sharing an X post, the PMO stated:
“PM Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.”
Conclusion
The Karur stampede has once again highlighted the urgent need for effective crowd management and safety protocols during large-scale public events in India. Leaders across the political spectrum have called for stricter measures to ensure the safety of citizens, while the government has announced financial assistance for the victims and their families.