NEW DELHI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay said his heart is “shattered” as he broke his silence on the deadly stampede at his rally in Karur on Saturday, which claimed at least 38 lives, including 10 children.“My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in hospitals,” TVK wrote on X, quoting its president.The victims, besides children, include 16 women and 12 men. Former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji, deputed by chief Minister MK Stalin to assess the situation, said 58 people have been hospitalized—46 in a private hospital and 12 in a government facility. The toll is expected to rise, according to sources. Stalin is scheduled to meet the injured on Sunday, Balaji added.The chief minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each victim. He also ordered a probe into the incident by a one-person commission headed by former Madras high court Justice Aruna Jagadeesan.
