Tamil Nadu : Stampede at Vijay’s Karur Rally Kills 31, Over 30 Injured

Karur | Tamil Nadu – A political rally of actor-turned-politician Vijay turned into a devastating tragedy on Saturday evening when a massive stampede broke out, killing at least 31 people and injuring more than 30 others. Among the dead were 16 women, nine men, and six children. Officials fear that the toll could rise as several victims remain in critical condition.

The rally, organized by Vijay’s Tamilga Vetti Kazhagam (TVK), had been granted permission for a crowd of 10,000. Authorities had anticipated as many as 50,000 attendees. Instead, an overwhelming 1.2 lakh people descended on Karur, overwhelming the venue and security arrangements.

Eyewitnesses said panic erupted when Vijay paused his speech to appeal for help in locating a missing nine-year-old girl. “The moment he asked supporters to search for her, the crowd began to surge forward. People got trapped, some fell, and others piled on top of them. It was chaos,” said a local resident, visibly shaken.

As the stampede worsened, many people struggled to breathe in the crush. Some fainted, while others collapsed. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Vijay stopped his speech, appealed for calm, and quickly left the venue.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister M.A. Subramanian confirmed the casualties late Saturday night. “We have lost 31 lives, including women and children. More than 30 others are injured and are being treated in hospitals nearby. Our medical teams are working round the clock,” he said.

Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced immediate relief. “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of lives in Karur. I will personally visit tonight to meet the families of the deceased and those undergoing treatment. The government will provide ₹10 lakh compensation to the kin of each victim and ₹1 lakh to the injured,” he said. Stalin also dispatched senior ministers and district collectors from Tiruchirappalli, Salem, and Dindigul to Karur to assist in relief efforts and coordinate with hospitals.

Security experts and opposition leaders have already begun questioning how a rally meant for 10,000 was allowed to swell to over a lakh people. Critics argue that better crowd management and stricter enforcement of safety protocols could have prevented the disaster.

For many in Karur, the day was supposed to mark a new chapter in Vijay’s political journey, but it ended in heartbreak. As bodies were lined up in hospitals and families searched for missing loved ones, the festive atmosphere of a political rally turned into one of mourning.

“This is a tragedy that should never have happened,” said a grieving father who lost his teenage daughter in the stampede. “We came to see our leader and returned with a coffin.”