Web Desk; At least 36 people lost their lives and more than 50 others were injured in a stampede during a political rally of Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday.
Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed the casualties, stating that eight children and 16 women were among the deceased. State lawmaker Senthil Balaji added that at least 58 injured participants were admitted to nearby hospitals.
Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s most popular stars for over three decades, launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024. Since then, he has consistently drawn massive crowds, challenging both the ruling DMK and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP ahead of the 2026 state elections.
Videos from the rally showed Vijay addressing supporters from atop a campaign vehicle. As the crowd swelled out of control, he was seen throwing water bottles to fainting attendees and urging police for assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening.” Media reports said at least 44 doctors from Tiruchirappalli and Salem districts were dispatched to Karur for emergency relief.
This tragedy is not the first linked to Vijay’s political gatherings. In October 2024, when his party was launched, media reported at least six deaths during its first public meeting. Despite repeated police-imposed restrictions on convoy sizes and venue arrangements, the overwhelming turnout has often stretched local infrastructure beyond capacity.
India has seen similar incidents in recent months. Earlier this year, six people were crushed to death and more than 10 injured in a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, following a massive crowd surge on the temple stairway.
