At least 39 people have been killed and more than 50 injured in a crowd crush at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, southern India, where popular film star Vijay was campaigning, state officials confirmed.
“So far, 39 people have died—including 13 men, 17 women, four boys, and five girls—while 51 others, comprising 26 men and 25 women, are receiving intensive treatment,” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin told reporters in Karur, the district where the tragedy took place on Saturday.
The deadly crush occurred as vast crowds gathered for a public meeting, part of Vijay’s state-wide tour for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars for more than three decades, entered politics in 2024 and has since drawn massive turnouts at rallies. His party is positioning itself against both the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of state elections scheduled for early 2026.
Local media footage showed thousands packed around a campaign vehicle, from which Vijay addressed the crowd. Police said his delayed arrival worsened the situation.
“By the time Vijay arrived at 7:40pm, the crowd had already been waiting for hours without sufficient food and water. That is the reality,” Tamil Nadu police chief DGP Venkatraman told The Hindustan Times.
During the rally, Vijay was seen throwing water bottles to fainting supporters and calling for police assistance as the situation spiralled out of control.
“I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur,” the actor-politician said.
Medical reinforcements were rushed to the scene, with at least 44 doctors from nearby districts including Tiruchirappalli and Salem dispatched to treat the injured, according to media reports.
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on X.
Chief Minister Stalin announced compensation of one million Indian rupees ($11,280) for the families of those killed, and said a panel of inquiry had been established.
This is not the first time safety has been questioned at Vijay’s rallies. At least six people reportedly died during the launch of his party in October last year. Despite restrictions on rally sizes and venues, the scale of turnout has repeatedly overwhelmed local infrastructure and law enforcement.
SMS/
