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Chennai, Oct 18 (IANS) Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) on Saturday appealed to its workers and supporters not to celebrate Diwali this year in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic Karur stampede last month.
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The message reflects the sadness within the TVK organization, which is mourning the demise of its supporters.
Diwali, also known as the ‘festival of lights’, will be celebrated on October 20 this year.
The decision comes as the wounds of the Karur tragedy are fresh, with families still grappling with the consequences of the devastating incident that took place during a rally addressed by Vijay.
41 people were killed and more than 60 were injured in a stampede at the venue of TVK’s main public meeting in Karur.
Most of the victims had gathered to catch a glimpse of Tamil Nadu superstar Vijay.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as people rushed towards the stage, sparking a deadly clash.
In the wake of the incident, petitions were filed in the Madras High Court and later in the Supreme Court, demanding an impartial investigation into the tragedy.
After hearing the case, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to handle the case under the supervision of a three-member committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi, citing the seriousness of the lapses in crowd management and the need for a transparent investigation.
The CBI has since started its investigation, collecting CCTV footage, interrogating local police and revenue officials and recording statements of eyewitnesses and organisers.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
Vijay announced a financial compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh to the injured.
By calling on its party members to celebrate a quiet Diwali, TVK has tried to express collective grief and solidarity, turning what usually is the festival of lights into a moment of reflection and remembrance.
–IANS
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