Congress MP Jothimani Sennimalai has defended the proposed government jobs for families of victims of the Karur stampede, saying the issue should be viewed with compassion rather than through a rigid interpretation of rules. She argued that many of those who died were poor and primary breadwinners, and dismissed concerns that the appointments could influence witnesses in the ongoing probe, adding that testimonies had already been recorded. Jothimani also rejected suggestions that the move was linked to the upcoming Karur by-election, saying the Chief Minister’s decision was driven by concern for the affected families.