TVK chief Vijay's rally stampede kills 38: How the incident unfolded

At least 38 people died in a stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur on Saturday, with the toll feared to rise. 

 

Tamil Nadu DGP in-charge G Venkatraman said 38 people have died so far, 12 men, 16 women, and 10 children (five boys and five girls) after stampede took place at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur.  "This is a deeply tragic incident. So far, 38 people have died: 12 men, 16 women, and 10 children (five boys and five girls). Following the incident, we reviewed the steps that the police should take... Earlier rallies of TVK had smaller crowds, but this time the turnout was far higher than expected. Though organisers had requested a large ground in Karur, anticipating about 10,000 people, nearly 27,000 gathered. At the campaign venue where Vijay was to address the public, 500-plus police personnel were on duty," Tamil Nadu DGP in-charge G Venkatraman said, ANI reported on the Karur stampede incident.

 

 

The incident occurred about 400 km from Chennai during a massive gathering addressed by Vijay, the chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

 

Probe and compensation announced

 

Stalin convened a meeting of senior officials at the state Secretariat to review the situation and announced a Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the tragedy.

 

He also declared an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the victims. “The situation is worrisome,” Stalin said, adding that he had directed Health Minister Ma Subramanian, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh, and the District Collector to provide immediate assistance. The Chief Minister will visit Karur later in the day.

 

Union government response

 

The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government. Home Minister Amit Shah spoke separately with Governor R N Ravi and Stalin to review the situation and assured all possible central support.

 

How the incident unfolded

 

Officials said the stampede broke out around 7.30 pm, shortly after Vijay began addressing supporters who had been waiting for hours to see him. As people started fainting and collapsing in the crowd, the actor-politician paused his speech. Many of those affected were women and children.

 

Condolences pour in

 

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the incident and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message on X, said: “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.”

 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his sorrow on X, writing: “Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”