Amidst the profound sorrow following Saturday’s stampede at actor Vijay’s TVK rally in Karur, one story of personal tragedy stands out: a farmer from Vishwanathapuri has lost his entire family in the horrific incident.
A Man’s Unimaginable Loss: Wife and Two Daughters Gone
Anantha Jothi, a local farmer, had attended the rally with his wife, Hemalatha (28), and their two young daughters, Sailakhsana (8) and Sai Jeeva (4). While Anantha Jothi himself sustained a leg injury and managed to escape the chaos, the devastating truth emerged later: his wife and children were caught in the crushing crowd and did not survive.
Seven-Year-Old Among the Youngest Victims
The tragedy also claimed the life of S. Kirthikyadav, a vibrant 7-year-old, third-grade student from Anju Road in Karur. Kirthikyadav, the younger son of Saravanan (30), a welder, and Chandrakala (28), was at the rally with his mother and elder brother, Sanjay, a recent diploma graduate. As fervent admirers of actor Vijay, the family found themselves separated in the surging crowd. While Chandrakala and Sanjay bravely navigated their way to safety, Kirthikyadav was tragically overwhelmed and lost his life.
“They claim there were 500 police personnel, but I couldn’t even spot 50 at the venue,” Sanjay recounted, his voice filled with anger and grief, questioning the severe shortcomings in security arrangements.
Friends Mourn a Lost Classmate
Another victim identified was K. Srinath, a 15-year-old Class XI student from a private school in Mettur, Salem district. Srinath, a resident of Indira Nagar, Puthukkalampalli, Veerakanputhur, had attended the rally alone.
Outside the mortuary, a somber group of his classmates gathered, their tears a testament to their shared grief. They recalled parking their bicycles nearby and the many joyful times spent playing together. Bound by sorrow and friendship, they waited in hushed silence, hoping for a final chance to pay their respects to their lost friend.