• Source:JND
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Karur Stampede: Actor-politician Vijay, who began reaching out to the families of the Karur stampede victims through WhatsApp video calls on Tuesday, has also sought permission from the Tamil Nadu police to visit the tragedy-affected district. News18 reported that the actor-turned-politician has written an email to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP), wishing to extend his condolences to the families of victims, in person.

Earlier, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party chief spoke to families of the Karur stampede victims and assured them of his support. The development comes amid severe criticism for the actor from certain sections for not visiting the affected families in person. He had made the video calls on October 6 evening.

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One of the affected families said Vijay made the call to my son-in-law and expressed his heartfelt condolences. "He conveyed his regret over the incident and said it should not have happened. Also, he assured the family of his support," the kin of the victim told reporters in Karur.

I Am Like Your Son: Vijay Tells Victims' Families

Speaking to another family, Vijay consoled the woman, saying, "I am like your son." Vijay has asked the party members to reach out to the affected families," he said.

Though the TVK is yet to make an official statement on his WhatsApp video calls, at least three families have confirmed that his empathetic talk since October 6 night continued today, as well.

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A young woman, with whom Vijay spoke, was the sister of a victim who was among 41 persons who died in the stampede on September 27 at a political rally addressed by the TVK chief at Velusamypuram.

She said she could not blame the actor for the tragedy. "My brother had gone to see Vijay, and he didn't return. The authorities could have deployed more police force to regulate the swelling crowd," she told media in Karur.

"He consoled me. He said he was like a brother to me. Vijay said he could not come due to the court case and that he would visit us after he obtained permission from the authorities," she added.

(With PTI inputs)