A grieving widow, whose husband was one of 41 individuals tragically killed in a stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur last month, has sent back the ₹20-lakh compensation offered by actor and party leader Vijay. Shankavi Perumal explained that she felt deeply let down because Mr. Vijay did not make the effort to visit her in Karur to express his personal condolences. Instead, the families were invited to a private resort in Mamallapuram where he conveyed his grief.
Previously, Mr. Vijay had communicated with the affected families via a video call, promising a future meeting. Following this, he transferred ₹20 lakh into the bank accounts of each of the 41 victim’s families as compensation.
Ms. Shankavi, whose husband was from Kodangipatti, confirmed she received the money in her account a week prior. However, she promptly returned the full amount via Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) to the original sender’s bank account. Bank officials processed the transaction after she provided a formal authorization letter. This happened on Monday, October 27, precisely when Mr. Vijay was holding his meeting with the bereaved families in Mamallapuram.
Expressing her sentiments, Ms. Shankavi stated, ‘I genuinely expected Mr. Vijay to visit Karur and personally offer his condolences to me and other affected individuals. Without my knowledge, some TVK members persuaded a few of my husband’s relatives to travel to Mamallapuram for the meeting. He truly should have come to Karur. This situation is very disappointing, and that’s why I felt compelled to return the money.’
Balu, a close relative of Ramesh (one of the attendees who met Mr. Vijay), voiced his surprise at Ms. Shankavi’s decision. He mentioned that he had helped facilitate the transfer of financial aid from the actor, as well as the State and Central governments, into her bank account. He speculated that ‘She could not have acted entirely on her own,’ suggesting potential influence from local political figures in her choice.