Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], September 28 (ANI): Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu that claimed 39 lives.

Patnaik offered condolences to the grieving families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

https://x.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/1972137651361964251

In a post on X, Naveen Patnaik wrote, 'Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of so many lives at the stampede at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time and praying for the swift recovery of those who have sustained injuries.'

The tragedy has left 39 people dead at a rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the victims after 36 were killed in the incident. CM Stalin also announced aid of Rs 1 lakh each to those undergoing medical treatment in hospitals.

The Chief Minister further announced the formation of a one-member Commission of Inquiry, headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report to the government.

A total of two patients are currently in critical condition and are on ventilator support, and at least 39 were killed after a stampede took place during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, said the state's Director of Medical Education (DME), Suganthy Rajakumari.

Speaking to ANI, the Director stated that the postmortem and handover of the bodies would be completed before Sunday noon, further noting that the government had arranged accommodation, food, and other necessities.

'The total number of dead bodies we received is 39. The number of patients was 52. Only two patients are critical and on a ventilator. Before noon, we will finish all postmortems and hand over the bodies to the family members. Accommodation, food and other things have been arranged by the government.' Rajakumari said. (ANI)