Kantara star Rishab Shetty has spoken out about the devastating stampede at Tamil actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which claimed 41 lives and left over 60 injured. In an interview with NDTV, Shetty described the incident as a "collective mistake" rather than an individual failure, emphasizing the complexities of managing large crowds.
Rishab Shetty highlighted the challenges of controlling massive gatherings, stating that while authorities have a responsibility to maintain order, they often face difficulties in doing so. "We can easily blame the police or government; they do have responsibility. But sometimes they also face trouble controlling a mob," he said.
The stampede occurred during Vijay's statewide political outreach for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where nearly 30,000 people gathered at a venue meant for 10,000. In the aftermath, Vijay announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh for each victim's family and ₹2 lakh for the injured, also connecting with affected families via video call to offer condolences and support.
The incident has sparked calls for a thorough investigation, with TVK seeking a Supreme Court-monitored probe to ensure impartiality. As the controversy surrounding the incident continues to unfold, Vijay's actions are under scrutiny, with some questioning the party's adherence to safety protocols.