A tragic stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu has left 39 people dead and more than 50 others injured. The incident occurred in Karur district on Saturday, during a massive gathering addressed by popular Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay. He later said he was “heartbroken” and promised full support to the families of the victims.
Authorities confirmed on Sunday that a criminal case has been filed against senior leaders of Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move marks the first step toward possible charges related to the stampede. Police identified party leaders Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and V.P. Mathiyalagan as those named in the case. Investigations into the tragedy are currently underway.
According to officials, TVK had initially obtained permission for a rally of 10,000 attendees. However, the actual turnout exceeded expectations, with more than double that number arriving. The overcrowding quickly escalated into chaos when supporters surged toward the stage, resulting in the deadly stampede. Among the deceased were children, highlighting the devastating human cost of the incident.
Vijay, who has been a leading figure in Tamil cinema for over three decades, launched his political party last year. His entry into politics has drawn enormous public attention, with rallies regularly attracting massive crowds. At the Karur event, local footage showed thousands gathering around a large campaign vehicle on which Vijay was addressing the public. As the crowd pressed forward, many began fainting in the heat. Vijay himself was seen throwing water bottles into the crowd to assist struggling supporters and urgently calling for police intervention.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced financial relief for the victims’ families. Each affected household will receive 1 million rupees, equivalent to around $11,300. The state government has also set up a commission led by a retired judge to investigate the exact circumstances that led to the stampede. Officials hope the inquiry will determine accountability and provide measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The incident has drawn widespread grief and condemnation across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss of lives as “deeply saddening” in a message posted on social media. Leaders from across the political spectrum have extended condolences, emphasizing the need for better safety management at large gatherings.
This tragedy also underscores the challenges posed by the increasing intersection of celebrity and politics in India. Vijay’s popularity as one of Tamil cinema’s most bankable stars has transformed his rallies into events of unprecedented scale. However, such massive crowds pose serious risks if proper crowd-control measures are not in place.
With elections approaching in Tamil Nadu, the incident has added pressure on TVK and its leadership to prioritize safety protocols. The case filed against party leaders highlights the state’s intent to ensure accountability. Meanwhile, the victims’ families continue to grapple with a devastating loss that has left the entire region shaken.
