A political rally held by TVK founder and actor Vijay in Karur turned into a tragedy when a stampede claimed the lives of 38 people, including women and six children, on Saturday evening. The incident has triggered profound sorrow from the actor and immediate response from state and federal authorities.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The chaos began shortly after 7:30 p.m. behind the van from which Vijay was addressing the crowd. Reports from officials indicate that the stampede was initiated when dozens of supporters, who had climbed a tree to get a better vantage point, fell onto the tightly packed audience approximately 50 meters from the stage. The sudden collapse caused a massive panic, leading to a crushing effect on the men, women, and children in the crowd.
In total, at least 150 people were hospitalized across Karur and Trichy, with officials noting that half a dozen victims remain in critical condition.
Sources at the scene stated that the local police had granted permission for a crowd of 10,000 people, deploying 500 officers for security. However, the actual turnout to see the actor was estimated to be around 30,000.
Vijay’s Response and Departure
Unaware of the full scale of the unfolding disaster, actor Vijay left the stage soon after the stampede began and traveled back to Chennai. Police sources later confirmed that the actor was briefed about the fatalities when he stopped in Trichy en route to catch a flight. He reportedly spoke with local police and TVK functionaries but did not address the waiting media.
Hours later, the TVK founder issued a statement on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), expressing his deep anguish over the loss of life:
“My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express… I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital.”
இதயம் நொறுங்கிப் போய் இருக்கிறேன்; தாங்க முடியாத, வார்த்தைகளால் சொல்ல முடியாத வேதனையிலும் துயரத்திலும் உழன்று கொண்டிருக்கிறேன்.
கரூரில் உயிரிழந்த எனதருமை சகோதர சகோதரிகளின் குடும்பங்களுக்கு என் ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்களையும், இரங்கலையும் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறேன். மருத்துவமனையில் சிகிச்சை…
— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 27, 2025
Official Condolences and Aid
The incident drew immediate and high-level responses from political leaders across the state and country:
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid homage to the deceased victims, visited their families, and interacted with doctors treating the injured in hospitals. He had previously expressed shock over the incident on ‘X’, contacting officials to provide immediate support.
- The state government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each victim and authorized the transfer of patients to both government and private hospitals, including Apollo, to expedite their care.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, calling the incident “unfortunate” and stating his thoughts were with the bereaved families while praying for a swift recovery for the injured.
Source: Indian Express, CNN-News-18
