At least 39 people lost their lives and 51 others are undergoing treatment in intensive care after a deadly stampede broke out during a political rally held by actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in Karur on Saturday evening. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a judicial inquiry into the incident, describing it as “unprecedented” in the state’s political history. Meanwhile, the Kerala government has also recently announced a probe into the matter to study crowd management and safety protocols at large gatherings. Stalin assured that strict action would follow once the facts are established.
Backstory: A Rally That Drew Thousands
Vijay, a popular actor with a massive fan following, has been actively campaigning across Tamil Nadu ahead of upcoming elections. His rallies are known to attract tens of thousands of supporters. The Karur rally had official permission for an expected 10,000 attendees, but reports suggest that nearly 50,000 people gathered at the 1.2 lakh square feet venue. The overwhelming crowd created unsafe conditions, setting the stage for tragedy.
What Happened
The stampede occurred as the rally proceeded, with several attendees, including women and children, fainting due to the extreme overcrowding. Ambulances arrived at the scene from around 7:30 pm, but chaos had already ensued. Stalin addressed reporters, expressing his grief, “I am standing here with deep sorrow. I am unable to describe the horrific accident that took place in Karur. So far, 39 people have died. In the history of our state, never has such a large number of people lost their lives in a programme organised by a political party. Such a tragedy should never happen in the future either.”
Tamilnadu People will never forgive Stalin for what he done Today.. Such a Shame on Dmk Cowards💦 pic.twitter.com/TXeFxTxwTM
— Ashwin TVK (@ashwin_tvk_) September 27, 2025
How It Happened
Officials said the tragedy was caused by severe overcrowding at the venue. As the crowd surged, several people fainted and panic spread, resulting in a stampede that led to multiple fatalities and injuries. Chief Minister Stalin personally visited the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur late on Saturday night to meet the injured and console the families of victims. He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives, calling it the gravest loss of life at a political gathering in Tamil Nadu.
Relief Measures and Judicial Inquiry
In the wake of the tragedy, Stalin announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims: Rs 10 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those injured. A judicial inquiry commission, led by a retired High Court judge, has been set up to investigate the incident and establish accountability.
Stalin emphasized the need for transparency and cautioned against politicizing the tragedy:“The truth will come out through the inquiry commission. I do not wish to say anything with a political motive. Once the truth is revealed, strict action will definitely be taken.”
Moving Forward
Authorities are reviewing the rally protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Karur stampede serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of overcrowding at political events, especially in venues not equipped to handle massive crowds.
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