News Brief
Swarajya News Staff
Sep 30, 2025, 06:18 PM | Updated 06:18 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
In a video message released on Tuesday, 30 September, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay broke his silence on the deadly stampede at his party's rally in Karur, which has claimed 41 lives till now.
The incident, occurring on September 27, 2025, has sparked widespread controversy and a judicial probe.
Expressing profound grief, Vijay stated in the video, "I have never faced such a painful situation in my life. My heart is filled with pain, only pain. I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones… I know that no word can ever compensate for the loss. "
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and promised to meet the affected families soon.
The stampede, which injured nearly 100 people, including women and children, unfolded amid chaos at the Velusamypuram venue.
Addressing criticism for leaving the site abruptly, Vijay said, "I am also just a human. How could I leave Karur when so many people were being affected? But to prevent any further untoward incident or panic, I avoided going back".
He questioned why the tragedy struck only in Karur, noting smooth campaigns in five other districts, and hinted at 'truths' emerging soon.
He also dared the Tamil Nadu state government: "If you want revenge, do whatever you want to me, don't touch my cadre. I will either be at my home or the office, you can do anything to me".
Meanwhile, two TVK functionaries, V. P. Mathiyalagan and Kasi Pounraj, were remanded to 14-day judicial custody on September 30, as per police actions following the incident. .