Stampede kills 4 women in Tamil Nadu: Thaipusam festival rushes to get free saree tokens

Four women were killed in a stampede at Vaniyambadi in Tamil Nadu’s Tirupattur on Saturday. Police said a man was distributing free sarees and veshti (white dhoti) tokens on the occasion of Thaipusam festival here. A large number of people gathered to collect the tokens. During this there was a stampede. There is also news of some people getting injured in the accident.

CM announced a help of Rs 2 lakh each
CM MK Stalin has announced an assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the women killed in the stampede.

The injured were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

SP said – will take action after investigation
We are probing the matter. Action will be taken as per the law. Permission was not given to organize this event.

Police officers are present at the place of incident.

What is Thaipusam festival?
The Tamil community celebrates Thaipusam. It is the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan is Kartikeya, the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that on this day Goddess Parvati ordered Lord Murugan to kill a demon named Tarakasura and his army. After which Lord Kartikeya killed Tarakasura. Thaipusam festival is celebrated in its happiness.