Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to meet families affected by a deadly stampede, nearly five weeks after the incident occurred. The meeting is scheduled for October 27 at a resort in Mahabalipuram, near Chennai.
The stampede transpired on September 27 in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district. It happened during a rally organized by Vijay’s political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam.
The tragic event resulted in the deaths of 41 people. Over 100 individuals also sustained injuries.
Vijay had initially promised to meet with the victims and their families. However, this meeting was delayed for five weeks.
His party has arranged accommodations for the affected families, booking 50 rooms at the Mahabalipuram resort. The goal is for Vijay to personally offer condolences to the bereaved.
A bus has been arranged to transport family members to the meeting location. Many are expected to attend.
The decision to hold the meeting in Mahabalipuram has sparked public debate. Critics argue that Vijay should have visited the victims in Karur.
The party stated that officials denied permission for Vijay to meet with victims in Karur. This necessitated the change in location and the travel arrangements.
Perumal from Velusamipuram, who lost his minor daughters in the stampede, voiced his disapproval. He told reporters it is improper for families to travel to the leader, asserting that Vijay should come to them.
It is currently unlikely that those injured in the stampede will be present at the Mahabalipuram meeting.