Tragic Stampede at Actor Vijay's TVK Rally in Karur Claims At Least 39 Lives, Including Children And Women

A stampede-like situation unfolded at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday (27 September) , resulting in multiple casualties.

The rally, addressed by popular actor-turned-politician Vijay, who heads the TVK party, drew massive crowds to Velusamypuram venue.

According to an ANI report, the chaos erupted amid an overwhelming surge of supporters, leading to at least 39 deaths and over 50 hospitalisations.

Those who lost their lives include 17 women and 10 children, according to a Times of India report.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people fainted and were trampled in the densely packed gathering. Vijay, visibly distraught, paused his speech multiple times to urge the crowd to make way for ambulances and assist the injured.

This incident marks a dark chapter in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, highlighting the risks associated with large-scale public events. The rally was part of TVK's campaign trail ahead of upcoming elections, with Vijay criticising the ruling DMK government on various issues.

Meanwhile, the district administration and police were caught off guard by the sheer volume of attendees, estimated in the tens of thousands. Initial investigations point to inadequate crowd management as a potential factor, though no official blame has been assigned yet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister MK Stalin have expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The latter announced that he would visit Karur on September 28, 2025, to meet the affected families.

In a statement, Stalin directed officials to provide assistance on a war footing, including medical aid and compensation for the victims' kin. He described the situation as worrying and emphasised the need for swift action to restore order.

Health Minister Subramanian, briefing the media, stated that emergency services were mobilised immediately, with over 20 ambulances dispatched to the site. Hospitals in Karur and nearby areas, such as Trichy, have been placed on high alert to handle the influx of patients.

Among the injured, several are in critical condition, suffering from asphyxiation and crush injuries. The minister also noted that the death toll could rise, given the severity of some cases.

Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticise the state government, accusing it of negligence in granting permissions for such a large event without sufficient security measures. TVK, however, defended the organisation, pointing out that permissions were obtained from local authorities.

Vijay himself appealed to his fans and cadres to cooperate with rescue efforts, even as he continued his address briefly before wrapping up the event prematurely. Visuals from the scene, shared widely on social media, show a sea of people and chaotic attempts to evacuate the unconscious.

This rally was intended to be a show of strength for TVK, founded by Vijay in 2024, as it positions itself as a formidable force in Tamil Nadu politics.

Local reports highlight that many victims were from rural areas around Karur, drawn to the rally by Vijay's star power and political promises. One such account involves a family from a nearby village who lost two members, including a young child, in the crush.

Community leaders in Karur have called for a thorough probe, demanding accountability from both the organisers and the administration. It is worth noting that this is not the first mishap at TVK events; earlier incidents, like a fan's electrocution during flag hoisting in August 2025, had already raised safety concerns.

The Karur police have registered a case and initiated an inquiry, with forensic teams examining the site for clues. Experts in crowd dynamics suggest that factors like narrow entry points and high temperatures contributed to the stampede.

In response, the state government has promised to review guidelines for public gatherings, potentially introducing stricter norms on attendee limits and emergency exits. Political analysts observe that this could impact TVK's momentum, as Vijay's entry into politics has been marked by enthusiastic but sometimes unruly crowds.

Despite the setback, supporters rallied online, expressing solidarity with Vijay and blaming external factors for the disaster. As the day progressed, condolences poured in from across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his sympathies, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Other leaders, including AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami, condemned the incident and urged for better crowd control mechanisms.

The Tamil Nadu government announced ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the seriously injured. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely, with updates expected hourly.

Vijay, in a post-rally statement, expressed his heartbreak and vowed to support the victims' families personally. He also called off further campaign events for the week as a mark of respect.

Authorities are compiling a list of victims for official records, ensuring transparency in aid distribution. Meanwhile, TVK has set up a helpline for affected families.