Stampede at Vijay's TVK rally in Karur leaves at least 31 dead

A devastating stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay's campaign rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on 27 September, has resulted in at least 31 deaths, including six children, and left more than 50 people injured. The incident occurred during an event featuring the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader at Velusamypuram, where a massive crowd surge amid sweltering heat and a delayed arrival led to chaos.

Vijay, addressing supporters from atop a customised bus, halted his speech to aid the victims, but the crush proved fatal for many. 

Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed immediate relief efforts, with Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirming the toll and overseeing treatment at local hospitals.

Opposition parties have criticised the DMK government for inadequate crowd control, demanding a judicial probe. This tragedy, one of the deadliest at a political gathering in recent years, raises questions about safety protocols for high-profile events in India.

The stampede

The rally, part of Vijay's pre-2026 election tour, attracted over 30,000 fans and supporters to the open venue on the Karur-Erode highway.

Vijay's arrival was delayed by six hours due to prior commitments in Namakkal, leaving the crowd exposed to intense heat with temperatures around 35°C. As he began speaking around 7:20 pm, criticising the DMK for unfulfilled promises like a local airport, several attendees fainted from dehydration and overcrowding.

The fainting triggered panic, with people surging forward to reach the stage, leading to a deadly crush. Eyewitnesses described screams and chaos as the crowd trampled those who fell.

Vijay paused his address, urging police to assist and throwing water bottles to the affected, but the narrow roads hampered ambulance access.

Videos shared on social media captured the horror: supporters chanting amid cries for help, with medics carrying the injured on stretchers. One clip showed a child being separated from parents in the melee. The Karur Government Medical College Hospital became overwhelmed, with doctors describing it as a "war zone."

Casualties and medical response

Hospital authorities reported 31 deaths by late evening, comprising nine men, 16 women and six children, primarily from asphyxiation, head injuries and trampling. Over 50 were hospitalised, with three children in intensive care and several in critical condition. 

Initial reports varied, with some outlets citing 10 or 20 deaths, but updated figures confirmed the higher toll as more victims succumbed.

Health Minister Subramanian and former minister V Senthil Balaji rushed to the hospital to coordinate efforts, ensuring power backups for ventilators and additional medical staff. Chief Minister Stalin, monitoring from Chennai, directed "war footing" assistance and plans to visit Karur on 28 September.

An ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for deceased families and Rs 50,000 for the injured are under consideration.

Vijay's reaction and rally cancellation

Vijay, known to fans as "Thalapathy" (दलपति in Hindi, leader), expressed deep sorrow, halting the event midway to focus on aid. "Our fight is for the people—let no life be lost," he stated, pledging personal support for victims' families. TVK cancelled subsequent rallies in Erode and Salem, with party workers assisting at hospitals.

On X, Vijay's fans mourned under #VijayRallyStampede, sharing clips of his appeals and blaming overcrowding. One post urged better planning: "Reel heroes must ensure real safety."

Political fallout and calls for a probe

Opposition parties lambasted the DMK. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami demanded a judicial inquiry into permissions and security lapses.

BJP's K Annamalai accused the government of "negligence," linking it to similar incidents, such as the RCB parade. "Crowd control failed spectacularly," he tweeted.

Stalin defended the response, noting the swift deployment of 300 additional police.

District Collector TV Shanthi launched an investigation into crowd estimates and arrangements.

ADGP Davidson Devasirvatham confirmed baton use to disperse post-incident.

Concerns over rally safety

The Karur stampede echoes tragedies like Hathras in 2024, highlighting risks in celebrity-driven politics.

With Vijay's TVK challenging the DMK in 2026, the incident may impact his momentum, though supporters blame the authorities.