Tearful tributes paid to Karur stampede victims on first anniversary

Family members, relatives, and members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Sunday paid tearful tributes to the victims of the Karur crowd crush on the occasion of its first anniversary.

Forty-one persons were killed in the stampede at Velusamypuram on the outskirts of the city on September 27, 2025, during a rally addressed by TVK founder C. Joseph Vijay.

To enable the public to pay homage, a decorated stage was erected near the Old Bus Stand roundabout. A large banner carrying the images of 41 burning candles with the names of the victims was placed on the stage. Dressed in black, mourners paid floral tributes. While some placed wreaths, others lit candles in memory of the victims. Emotions ran high as many family members broke down while paying respects. Many could not control their tears. Some families chose to observe the day at home, garlanding the portraits of their loved ones, and offering prayers.

Former Minister and TVK deputy general secretary M.R. Vijayabaskar, Karur West district secretary V.P. Mathiyazhagan, Krishnarayapuram MLA M. Sathya, and Karur East district secretary Balasubramanian placed wreaths.

Velusamypuram, the epicentre of the tragedy, witnessed quiet remembrance. Though life has returned to normalcy on the Karur-Erode Highway, residents said the scar of the tragedy that shook the nation’s conscience was yet to heal. Security was stepped up in Karur to prevent any untoward incident on the occasion.