At least 39 people have died in a stampede at a rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, India. According to Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P. Senthil Kumar, a total of 95 people were injured and admitted to hospitals, Indian media reported.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced compensation of ₹10 lakh per deceased family.
Vijay expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that he is in profound grief. A one-member investigation commission, led by retired High Court Judge Aruna Jagadeesan, has been formed to probe the tragedy. The stampede occurred on Saturday evening as Vijay addressed the Bharatiya Katchagam Party rally in Karur, during which many attendees fainted.
Vijay said, “My heart is broken. I am in unbearable pain and sorrow that words cannot describe. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of our beloved brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment in hospitals.”
Media reports indicate that while the rally was permitted for 30,000 people, over 60,000 attendees had gathered. Vijay arrived six hours late for the scheduled event. Although permission was granted from 3 PM to 11 PM, crowds had begun assembling as early as 11 AM, and Vijay started his speech at 7 PM. The tragedy is believed to have been caused by hunger, thirst, and the pressure of the crowd.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Stalin ordered emergency protocols in the district. The death toll is expected to rise. Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences over the incident.
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