Tamil Nadu: At least 39 people, including eight children, were killed and more than 50 were injured in a stampede during a political rally addressed by Tamil film star and politician Vijay in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state.
State Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed late Saturday that all of the victims were dead on arrival at the hospital, while the injured remain in stable condition.
The tragedy occurred in Karur district during a massive gathering for Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars, who launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in 2024.
The 51-year-old actor is campaigning ahead of state elections scheduled for early 2026, challenging both the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
என் நெஞ்சில் குடியிருக்கும் அனைவருக்கும் வணக்கம்.
கற்பனைக்கும் எட்டாத வகையில், கரூரில் நேற்று நிகழ்ந்ததை நினைத்து, இதயமும் மனதும் மிகமிகக் கனத்துப் போயிருக்கும் சூழல். நம் உறவுகளை இழந்து தவிக்கும் பெருந்துயர்மிகு மனநிலையில், என் மனம் படுகிற வேதனையை எப்படிச் சொல்வதென்றே…
— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 28, 2025
Videos circulating on local media showed Vijay standing atop a campaign vehicle, addressing thousands of supporters pressed tightly together. At one point, he was seen throwing water bottles into the crowd as several people fainted in the heat and calling for police assistance as the situation spiraled out of control.
Expressing grief on social media, Vijay wrote that his heart is shattered by the loss of lives. “I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur,” he posted on X.
Prime Minister Modi described the incident as deeply saddening, adding that, “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time.”
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2025
Deadly crowd crushes are not uncommon in India, where massive religious and political gatherings often strain local infrastructure. Earlier this year, at least 30 people died during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival, while 121 were killed in July 2024 at a religious congregation in Uttar Pradesh. In June, 11 fans were crushed in Bengaluru during celebrations for the city’s first Indian Premier League cricket title.
Vijay’s rallies have previously raised safety concerns. Six deaths were reported during the launch of his political party in October 2024, when overwhelming turnout caught authorities off guard.
Despite restrictions on convoy size and changes of venue, the sheer number of his supporters has repeatedly overwhelmed security and crowd management efforts.
