At least 39 people, including 16 women and 10 children, died after a stampede during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s campaign rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur on Saturday. People started fainting at the heavily packed rally as the crowd went out of control, forcing the actor-turned-politician to pause his speech midway.
Chief Minister MK Stalin, who visited Karur to meet the families of the victims and the injured, said, "So far, 39 people have died. In the history of our state, never has such a large number of people lost their lives in a program organised by a political party, and such a tragedy should never happen in the future either. Currently, 51 people are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit."
"With a heavy heart, I pay homage to those who have lost their lives. A compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased. A compensation of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to those who were injured. I have ordered the formation of an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge," Stalin added.
Vijay, in a message to his supporters on Sunday, said he was “deeply weighed down with sorrow” over the Karur tragedy and announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of those who died and Rs 2 lakh each to those injured. Calling the loss “irreparable,” he said no amount could ease the pain but assured that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, would stand by the victims’ families and extend all possible assistance. Vijay also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Earlier, Karur District Police filed separate FIRs against Anand, the party’s general secretary and considered the second-in-command, and Nirmal Kumar, the joint general secretary of TVK. ADGP (Law and Order) S Davidson Devasirvatham said, “Thirty-nine people have lost their lives. A case has been registered, and a preliminary investigation will be carried out.”
On Saturday evening, several party workers and children lost consciousness due to the crowd crush, prompting Vijay to halt his address and call for calm while urging his supporters to make way for emergency ambulances to reach those in need. Following the incident, DMK leader Senthil Balaji and the district collector visited the hospital to assess the situation.
Eyewitnesses said several people, especially women and children, began fainting due to overcrowding, even as siren sounds of ambulances were heard from about 7.30 pm. Meanwhile, the permission letter for Vijay’s Karur rally mentioned an expected turnout of 10,000, but officials estimate that close to 50,000 people could have assembled at the 1.20 lakh square feet venue.
Soon after, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin posted on social media, calling the reports from Karur “worrying.” He said he had instructed officials to provide immediate medical care to those affected. Stalin also set up a commission to probe rally stampede deaths and announced that it would be led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan.
"The news coming from Karur is worrying. I have called former Minister V Senthilbalaji and Minister Subramanian Ma, and the District Collector to provide immediate treatment to the civilians who have fainted due to the crowd and have been admitted to the hospital. I have also ordered the Minister from the nearby Trichy district, Anbil Mahesh, to provide necessary assistance on a war footing. I have also spoken to the ADGP there to take steps to improve the situation as soon as possible. I request the public to cooperate with the doctors and the police," Stalin said in a post on X.
Stalin travelled to Karur via Tiruchirapalli in the wee hours of Sunday and met the families of those who died in the stampede. He also visited the injured in the hospital.
Hours after the incident, TVK chief Vijay issued a statement on social media expressing sorrow, but not taking accountability for the incident. “My heart is shattered; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow. I express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my beloved brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” Vijay said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident, calling it deeply saddening. “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The Karur rally was part of Vijay’s ongoing statewide campaign ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. During the address, Vijay also asserted that the political landscape in Tamil Nadu would undergo a change in power within the next six months.
Meanwhile, police protection has been beefed up at Vijay’s house in Chennai.
Source: India Today