Karunanidhi death: 2 killed, 30 injured in stampede outside Rajaji Hall

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Two people were killed and 30 others sustained injuries in a stampede outside the premises of Rajaji Hall, where the mortal remains of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M. Karunanidhi have been kept for the public to pay homage.

The incident came just a day after the DMK working president MK Stalin said that the state government headed by Edappadi K. Palaniswam is trying to create chaos in the region. He had also appealed the masses to maintain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that everyone gets to pay homage to 'Kalaignar'.

"Those who are in power are trying to create chaos, but you have all shown the strength of the cadres. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace. Please clear the way, so the procession can commence," Stalin had said.

"I ask you all not to come and rush. I request the cadres to remain calm. I do not want anything for myself. All I want is a fitting tribute to Kalaignar," he added.

Meanwhile, the Central government has declared one-day national mourning in honor of the DMK leader.

The doyen of Tamil politics, Karunanidhi passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.'Kalaignar' breathed his last at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

His funeral will be held with full state honors.