Three days after the 41. person Karur stampede, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay posted a sombre video message on Tuesday expressing his "pain" in his heart.
The TVK leader said he was sorry for the incident, said it shouldn't have happened, and said he hoped to visit Karur soon.He also questioned the FIR against TVK leaders in the video message, asking, "Is the CM trying to take revenge?"
"To all of you, Namaste. Never in my life have I encountered such an agonising circumstance. My heart hurts only because it hurts.
Their love and affection for me is the reason so many people travel to see me on this tour. For that love and affection, I am incredibly grateful to them," he remarked.
The safety of the people and the idea that no compromise should be made are therefore very important to me more than anything else in this tour. I have steered clear of politics for that reason," he continued.
Vijay added that he had asked the police force to select a secure location for the tour.
I have only considered people's safety. For that reason, I have picked the locations with care.
I requested permission for ten locations and made the appropriate request to the police department.
However, what ought not to have occurred has. I'm a human, too.
Speaking about the incident, Vijay stated that everyone has been impacted and that he hopes to speak with the survivors soon.
"I am unable to leave when everyone is impacted. I knew I would have to go somewhere else even if I wanted to return.
I am also aware that whatever they say won't solve the problem. The hospitalized patients ought to recover quickly. I'll see you all as soon as I can," he continued.
In his message, Vijay also expressed gratitude to his political parties and friends for their support.
"I want to express my gratitude to all the politicians, political parties, friends, leaders, and everyone who sympathized with our suffering at this time."
He also questioned the FIR on TVK leaders and accused the chief minister of seeking retribution, dropping a bomb on the Stalin regime.
