Madurai, April 16 : At least two people were killed and eight others injured, one seriously, in a stampede during the ceremony of ‘Lord Kallazhagar entering into River Vaigai’ event here on Saturday. The identity of deceased, a man and woman were not immediately known, police said. The injured were admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) for treatment. The Madurai district administration has issued a helpline number 9498042434 for the public. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. He ordered to disburse Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the two deceased, Rs 2 lakh to the seriously injured person and Rs 1 lakh each for seven people who sustained minor injuries, from the Chief Minister’s General Relief Fund. Lakhs of devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu witnessed the grand event of Lord Kallazhagar entering into River Vaigai as part of the ongoing 12-day annual Chithirai Brahmotsavam festival of the World-renowned Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple, this morning. The event was held after a gap of two years due to COVID-19 restrictions. GSM CS1217