CHENNAI/BENGALURU, India — A devastating stampede at a political rally led by prominent Tamil actor Vijay resulted in the deaths of 39 people and left over 50 others injured on Saturday. The incident occurred in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, during a campaign event for Vijay’s political party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed the casualty figures, detailing the heavy toll the tragedy took on the public.
Speaking to reporters in Karur, Stalin stated: “So far, 39 people have died, including 13 men, 17 women, 4 boys, and 5 girls — while 51 people, including 26 men and 25 women, are receiving intensive treatment,” Earlier reports from state lawmaker Senthil Balaji had indicated 58 hospitalizations.
The actor, one of Tamil cinema’s most bankable stars for three decades, has consistently drawn massive crowds to his public meetings since launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024.
Vijay is currently campaigning ahead of state elections scheduled for early 2026, targeting both the ruling state party DMK and the national Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Videos circulated by local media showed thousands of supporters surrounding a large campaign vehicle from which Vijay was addressing the crowd.
Visuals from the rally depicted the actor throwing water bottles to fainting supporters and actively appealing for police intervention as the crowd became uncontrollable.
Following the tragedy, Vijay expressed his profound grief on X (formerly Twitter). “My heart is broken; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow,” he wrote. “I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for a speedy recovery for those who are undergoing treatment in the hospital.”
In the aftermath, media reported that at least 44 doctors were dispatched to Karur from nearby districts to assist with the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commented on the tragedy, posting on X: “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening.”
Chief Minister Stalin has announced a compensation of 1 million Indian rupees ($11,280 USD) for the families of those who died. Regarding accountability, Stalin confirmed on Sunday morning that the state government has appointed a judicial inquiry.
“Tamil Nadu has appointed a commission headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident and submit a report to the government, after which further action will be taken,” he said.
This is not the first time safety concerns have marred Vijay’s political events. At least six deaths were reported by media following his party’s inaugural meeting in October last year.
Despite restrictions imposed by the police—including limits on convoy size and mandatory venue changes—the sheer scale of public turnout for the actor’s rallies has repeatedly overwhelmed local infrastructure.
