Chennai, Two people have died and 35 others suffered minor injuries in a stampede near the Rajaji Hall where thousands of people congregated to pay their last respects to the mortal remains of DMK President and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who passed away yesterday.
Police sources said two people, who went to see the mortal remains of Karunanidhi succumbed to injuries in the melee that ensued after heavy crowd congregated at Rajaji Hall,where his body was kept for public to pay their last respects.
One of the deceased was identified as Shenbagam (60) of MGR Nagar in the city. A total of 35 people sustained injuries as the milling crowd vied with each other to have a closer look of Mr Karunanidhi.They were admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.Hospital sources said while two people were brought dead with injuries caused in a stampede, 35 people were brought with minor injuries.
Some of the injured suffered from dehydration, as people, braving the intense heat, thronged in large numbers to have a glimpse of the late leader for one last time.
Commotion prevailed for a while as the milling crowd tried to breach police barricades to have a closer look of their leader and police used mild force to regulate them.
DMK Working President M K Stalin appealed to the people to maintain peace and disperse from the Rajaji hall after paying their tributes to Mr Karunanidhi.
He also appealed to them not to come near the staircase of Rajaji hall where the body was kept.
