At least 31 people lost their lives and more than 50 sustained injuries on Saturday during a rally held by popular Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay in the Karur district of Tamil Nadu, according to local officials.
Senior police officer V. Selvaraj confirmed that 31 fatalities were reported, while over 50 individuals remain hospitalised following the tragic incident.
The rally was part of Vijay’s ongoing state tour for his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which he launched last year. The actor, widely known simply as Vijay, began his campaign earlier this month ahead of the state elections scheduled for early next year.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred due to a stampede after large crowds gathered at the venue. State legislator Senthil Balaji stated that 58 people were rushed to hospitals for treatment. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is expected to visit Karur on Sunday to meet the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the tragedy, describing the incident as “deeply saddening” in a post on X. Stalin also shared his concern, noting that he had instructed ministers and officials to provide urgent medical aid.
Additional medical teams and resources were dispatched from nearby Tiruchirappalli and Salem to manage the emergency. Media reports confirmed that at least 44 doctors from neighbouring districts were sent to Karur to support the treatment of the injured.
The incident underscores the challenges of managing large political gatherings in India, especially when popular figures like Vijay, who enjoys mass appeal as a film star, attract tens of thousands of supporters.
Calls to the Tamil Nadu health ministry and the chief minister’s office went unanswered as the state continues to deal with the aftermath of the tragedy.
The deadly stampede marks a grim beginning to Vijay’s political journey, highlighting both the risks of massive rallies and the urgent need for improved crowd management.
