Daijiworld Media Network – Karur
Karur, Sep 28: A political rally of actor-turned-politician Vijay turned tragic on Saturday evening when a massive stampede in Tamil Nadu’s Karur left at least 38 people, including children, dead and 58 others injured, officials said.
According to NDTV, around 30,000 supporters had gathered to hear Vijay, founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He arrived nearly six hours late, and as the crowd swelled in the humid conditions, several people fainted. Witnesses said the gathering became uncontrollable while Vijay was addressing the audience.
Videos showed Vijay halting his speech, throwing water bottles from atop his custom-built campaign bus to help the distressed crowd, while ambulances struggled to navigate the jam-packed thoroughfare.
Former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji said 46 of the injured were admitted to private hospitals and 12 to a government facility. Tamil Nadu Health Minister M Subramaniyan rushed to Karur to oversee treatment. Chief Minister M K Stalin directed district officials to provide immediate medical care and continuous monitoring, calling the incident “worrying.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow on X, praying for the families of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Governor R N Ravi and CM Stalin, assured all possible central assistance, and sought a detailed report on the circumstances leading to the tragedy and the rescue efforts.
Officials noted that Vijay’s earlier rallies had drawn large crowds, with his debut event in Trichy earlier this month causing a six-hour traffic snarl. Citing safety concerns, Tamil Nadu police had previously advised TVK organisers to impose restrictions on public receptions and urged elderly persons, pregnant women, and the disabled to avoid such gatherings.
The state government has launched an inquiry while rescue and medical teams continue to treat the injured and identify the victims of one of Tamil Nadu’s deadliest political rally stampedes in recent years.