Karur: At least 36 people, including children, have lost their lives in a tragic stampede during a political rally for actor-turned-politician Vijay in southern India’s Karur district, state officials confirmed.
Tens of thousands had gathered at the campaign venue, which was reportedly delayed by several hours. Local television footage showed packed crowds with people fainting as chaos unfolded. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said the death toll included at least 16 women, nine men, and six children. More than 50 others sustained injuries and are being treated in local hospitals.
இரவு முழுவதும் உயிரிழந்தவர்களின் குடும்பத்தினர் சிந்திய கண்ணீரும், அவர்களது துக்கம் நிறைந்த அழுகுரல் ஏற்படுத்திய வலியும் என் நெஞ்சத்திலிருந்து அகலவில்லை… #KarurTragedy pic.twitter.com/Z9K2TZs7NW
— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) September 28, 2025
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced compensation of $11,300 (₹1 million) to the families of the deceased and promised an official inquiry. MK Stalin sated that, “Additional doctors from nearby districts have been called in to provide urgent medical support.”
Politician Senthil Balaji, speaking outside a hospital, confirmed the fatalities and expressed concern over the rising number of critical cases. Heart-wrenching testimonies emerged from grieving families, including one man who lost his elder son while his younger child remains missing, and his sister-in-law is in intensive care.
Actor-politician Vijay expressed his devastation in a statement, saying his heart was broken and he was in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as unfortunate and deeply saddening in a post on X. Deadly crowd crushes remain a recurring danger in India, with multiple such tragedies reported this year at major gatherings, including religious festivals and sporting events.
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