Karur, Tamil Nadu: A tragic stampede occurred during a political rally organized by Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in Karur on Saturday. The incident resulted in the deaths of 39 individuals, including 13 men, 17 women, and 9 children, with over 50 others injured.
Incident Details
The rally, intended to garner support ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu state elections, attracted a crowd that reportedly exceeded the approved limit. TVK had sought permission for 10,000 attendees, but the actual turnout was more than double that number. The overwhelming crowd led to chaos, culminating in the stampede.
Response and Investigations
In the aftermath, Tamil Nadu police filed a criminal case against senior TVK leaders Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and V.P. Mathiyalagan. The investigation is ongoing to determine accountability and prevent future incidents.
Political Reactions
Vijay expressed profound grief over the tragedy, stating he was “heartbroken” and pledged support to the victims’ families. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced compensation of ₹1 million (approximately $11,300) per deceased individual and appointed a one-member judicial commission, led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan, to investigate the cause of the stampede.
National Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences, describing the incident as “deeply saddening.”