A massive crowd at actor-tuned-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, turned tragic on Saturday (September 27), with a stampede claiming at least 38 lives, including eight children, and leaving
over 46 injured.
Amid the chaos, videos from the event show Vijay making an urgent announcement on the microphone about a nine-year-old girl who had gone missing in the crowd.
In the clip, the actor can be heard appealing to the cadres and police for help in tracing the child as hundreds of fans and supporters struggled to move within the overcrowded venue.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: TVK leader Vijay asks cadres to search for missing girl during his campaign in Karur.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2025
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/w5WhPE5a2A
Police said permission had been granted for 10,000 attendees, but more than 50,000 people gathered in the 120,000 square-foot space. Vijay, who arrived nearly six hours late, was met by restless crowds that later spiraled out of control.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin rushed to Karur late in the night after holding a high-level meeting. He visited the hospital to pay respects to the deceased and meet those injured. The Union Home Ministry has also asked the state government to submit a report on the incident.
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While Vijay did not meet the victims or their families after the tragedy, he later issued a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), writing, "My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express."
"I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital," he added.
இதயம் நொறுங்கிப் போய் இருக்கிறேன்; தாங்க முடியாத, வார்த்தைகளால் சொல்ல முடியாத வேதனையிலும் துயரத்திலும் உழன்று கொண்டிருக்கிறேன்.
— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 27, 2025
கரூரில் உயிரிழந்த எனதருமை சகோதர சகோதரிகளின் குடும்பங்களுக்கு என் ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்களையும், இரங்கலையும் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறேன். மருத்துவமனையில் சிகிச்சை…
Meanwhile, the DMK criticised the TVK leader for arriving late, saying it was done on purpose to make the crowd look bigger. They claimed Vijay was trying to show himself as an alternative to the DMK and AIADMK ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.
