A heartbreaking tragedy struck in Karur, Tamil Nadu, during actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally. At least 39 people, including nine children and 17 women, lost their lives in a massive stampede. Officials confirmed that 46 others were injured.
Police sources said the crowd had swelled to over 27,000, though organisers had expected only 10,000. Vijay was scheduled to arrive by 12:30 pm but reached the venue around 7:40 pm. By then, the waiting crowd, with no food or water, had grown restless and exhausted. When some people fainted, panic spread, and the surge turned deadly.
Videos showed Vijay throwing water bottles to the crowd in an attempt to help, but the chaos could not be controlled. After the incident, he flew to Chennai and later said, “My heart is shattered, writhing in pain.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin ordered an investigation led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan and announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep grief and prayed for the injured.
The tragedy has raised serious questions about TVK’s crowd management and police preparedness, especially since similar warnings came from Vijay’s earlier rallies.
