Two people have been killed and 28 others have been injured in a stampede that broke out at the Rajaji Hall in Chennai, where Kalaignar Karunanidhi's
According to reports, the incident occurred around 11.15 am. People wanting to catch a glimpse of the late DMK Chief started rushing into the grounds through one of the many entrances of Rajaji Hall. Many tried to climb over the gates of the neighbouring building and into the premises. When the police tried to contain the crowd, many people tripped and fell and were subsequently seriously injured.
Two of them – a 62-year-old woman named Senbakom and an unidentified man – succumbed to their injuries they sustained in the stampede.
"Two people were brought dead to the hospital. While the woman has been identified, the identity of the man has not been ascertained yet," an official at the Royapettah Government Hospital told TNM. He added that nature of injuries is not certain yet.
Reports suggest that the police deployed at Rajaji Hall
Meanwhile, Narayana Babu, the Dean of Omandurar Government Hospital confirmed that 28 people have been admitted with injuries. Two amongst them have sustained head injuries and were sent to the Madras Medical College. Eight people are still receiving treatment while the others have left after being given first aid.
Following this, DMK Working President MK Stalin requested the crowd to remain calm and cooperate with the police. Karunanidhi's mortal remains were taken away from public reach as crowds swelled.
Kalaignar Karunanidhi will be laid to rest at Chennai’s Marina Beach, after the Madras High Court ruled in favour of the DMK. Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday evening after age-related complications.