Karur, 27 Sept

A political rally led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay turned tragic in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district on Saturday, as a massive stampede killed at least 36 people and injured over 46, according to Health Minister Ma Subramanian.

The stampede occurred as tens of thousands of supporters gathered at Veluchamy Puram, where Vijay was to address the crowd. Police estimate over 50,000 people had assembled at the venue — far exceeding the expected 10,000 mentioned in the permission letter. Vijay’s arrival was delayed by over six hours, leading to overcrowding.

Eyewitnesses reported that many women, children, and elderly supporters were caught in the surge. Several people fainted, triggering panic and chaos. Vijay’s speech was interrupted twice to allow ambulances through.

Police later resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. A nine-year-old girl also went missing during the confusion, prompting Vijay to make a public appeal for assistance.

CM Stalin on the stampede

Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock, directing urgent medical aid and deploying top officials including Ministers Ma Subramanian, Anbil Mahesh, and former minister Senthil Balaji to Karur. 

He took to X to say, "The news from Karur is worrying. I have contacted former Minister @V_Senthilbalaji, Health Minister @Subramanian_Ma and the District Collector to provide immediate support to the civilians who fainted due to the crowd and have been admitted to the hospital”.

He also instructed School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi from the nearby Tiruchirappalli district to provide necessary assistance to the injured on a war footing.

"I have also spoken to the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order, Davidson Devasirvatham) there to take steps to improve the situation as soon as possible. I request the public to cooperate with the doctors and the police," the Chief Minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

Despite repeated appeals from Vijay and strict conditions imposed by police and courts — including restrictions on convoys, public receptions, and advisories for vulnerable groups to follow online — most were ignored. Supporters brought in children and the differently abled, leading to dangerous overcrowding.

Earlier, TVK had released a 10-point safety guideline after similar chaos at its rally in Trichy on 13 September.

Vijay’s maiden political tour, which began on 13 September in Ariyalur, was initially scheduled to conclude in December but has now been extended into 2026.

Over 50 people remain hospitalised, with emergency medical teams from Tiruchi and Salem deployed. Water bottles and first aid were provided on-site, but many were transported to nearby hospitals.