Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar has spoken up about the tragic Karur rally stampede that took place during actor-politician Vijay’s event in Tamil Nadu, claiming several lives and injuring many.
In a candid and thoughtful statement, Ajith addressed the broader societal issues that led to such incidents and called for introspection from all quarters, including fans and the media.
Ajith says Vijay alone is NOT responsible
Speaking about the tragic event with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ajith said, “I’m not trying to put anybody down but like I say there’s so much happening in Tamil Nadu today because of this stampede that happened. That individual (Vijay) alone is not responsible, we are all responsible for it and I think even the media has a part to play in this. Today I think we have become a society that’s so obsessed with gathering a crowd, to show your crowd. All this has to end!”
The actor further questioned why such chaos occurs predominantly around film stars, saying, “I mean you have crowd that goes for a cricket match, you don’t see all this happening there, do you? Why is it happening only in theaters? Why is it only happening with celebrities, film personalities? So, what happens? It projects the whole film industry, world over, in a bad light. I mean, even even Hollywood actors or we don’t wish this.”
Vijay’s relief fund for Karur Stampede victims
Ajith’s remarks come amid an outpouring of grief and accountability debates following the stampede at Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, which left 41 people dead and several others injured. The tragedy occurred during a public event where fans and party supporters had gathered in massive numbers.
In response, Vijay’s TVK party announced immediate relief measures for the victims’ families. Just before Diwali too, the party credited Rs 20 lakh each to the bank accounts of 39 affected families, amounting to Rs 7.8 crore in total. “The money, Rs 20 lakh each, has been sent to 39 families, totalling to Rs 7.8 crore,” TVK said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
A party functionary also confirmed that Vijay plans to personally meet the victims’ families soon to offer condolences. “While the actor had planned to meet the families in person and distribute the ex-gratia after consoling them, he had decided to ensure the relief amount reached them first,” the source said, adding that other affected families will also receive compensation soon.