In a tragic incident, at least 38 people died after tens of thousands gathered in Tamil Nadu’s Karur for a mega political rally led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay. An overwhelming crowd
led to a stampede, with many attendees collapsing and needing urgent medical care.
The actor-turned-politician abruptly ended his speech as several people, including children, fainted at the overcrowded rally. “Police, please help,” he was heard saying as people fell unconscious at his rally in Karur. He also distributed water to people and arranged for ambulances for people who were feeling suffocated in the rally.
VIDEO | TVK leader Vijay pauses speech in Karur, distributes water to people, arranges for ambulance for those in the crowd feeling suffocated.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/uCBNuilCBZ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2025
At least 38 people, including eight children and 16 women are confirmed dead after the stampede, and more than 60 people were hospitalised, according to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. More than 40 doctors from Tiruchirappalli and Salem have been deployed to the area.
According to the information available, police permission was reportedly for only 10,000 people in Vijay’s Karur rally, but the actual turnout swelled to nearly 30,000 to 35,000, despite assurances of a lower turnout by the organisers. Vijay arrived at the venue nearly six hours behind schedule, intensifying the already chaotic situation. As he began his speech, the restless crowd surged toward the stage, breaking through barricades and triggering a stampede.
Several workers fainted on the spot, prompting Vijay to pause his speech and throw water bottles from atop his custom-built campaign bus. Meanwhile, ambulances struggled to navigate the densely packed crowd to reach those in need. The fainted persons were rushed to nearby hospitals in ambulances, and several of them died.
Vijay Evades Media After Deadly Stampede
Heartbreaking visuals emerged from the hospitals, including one where a father was seen carrying the dead body of a child in his arms. Hospitals were crowded as the families of the victims anxiously waited for the news of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, actor Vijay was seen evading the media and leaving for Chennai at the Tiruchirappalli airport without commenting on the stampede. He did not visit the hospital before leaving Karur.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the Tamil Nadu police should have prepared beforehand for such a rally, adding that the DMK government must take responsibility and take action.
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PM Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the stampede in Tamil Nadu, wishing strength to the families of the victims in this difficult time.
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” he said.
The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her anguish at the incident. “I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured,” she said on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
MK Stalin To Visit Karur At 1 AM
Chief Minister Stalin expressed concern about the situation and ordered state ministers Anbil Mahesh and Ma Subramaniam to rush to the site. “The reports coming in from Karur are concerning. I have instructed former minister @V_Senthilbalaji, Hon’ble Minister @Subramanian_Ma, and the District Collector to ensure immediate medical attention is provided to the public who have fainted and been admitted to the hospital due to the crowd surge,” he said on X.
“I have also directed Minister @Anbil_Mahesh from the neighbouring Tiruchirappalli district to provide necessary assistance on a war footing. Additionally, I have spoken to the ADGP to initiate swift measures to bring the situation under control as soon as possible,” he added.
கரூரிலிருந்து வரும் செய்திகள் கவலையளிக்கின்றன.
கூட்ட நெரிசலில் சிக்கி மயக்கமுற்று மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள பொதுமக்களுக்குத் தேவையான உடனடி சிகிச்சைகளை அளித்திடும்படி,
முன்னாள் அமைச்சர் @V_Senthilbalaji, மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர் @Subramanian_Ma அவர்களையும் – மாவட்ட…— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) September 27, 2025
Stalin is expected to arrive in Karur at 1 am. Meanwhile, other ministers, top officials and police personnel are already rushing to the site as more people are feared dead after fainting at the overcrowded rally.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami called the incident “shocking and distressing” and expressed his condolences for the victims. “I urge the Tamil Nadu government to immediately take necessary measures to ensure proper treatment for those admitted to the hospital and to provide appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased,” he said.
While expressing his condolences for the victims, BJP leader K Annamalai said it was the responsibility of the police to accurately estimate the number of attendees, select an appropriate venue accordingly, and deploy an adequate number of police personnel to ensure the safety of the public attending the event.
There are also reports that electricity was disrupted during Mr Vijay’s gathering. The Tamil Nadu government and the police acting with such negligence is highly condemnable,” he said, urging the Stalin-led government to immediately provide compensation to the bereaved families.
Vijay’s Rallies Marred By Controversies
Vijay’s political campaigns have been surrounded by controversy, with the DMK-led administration imposing several restrictions in response to the massive crowds drawn to his rallies. “Why do you impose conditions on me who wants to meet the people. What’s your intention? Let me tell you again, the contest in 2026 is only between the TVK and the DMK,” said Vijay last week.
Vijay has pitched his party as an alternative to both the DMK and the AIADMK. In his rallies, he has repeatedly attacked both the DMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that he will not form an alliance with either side. He accused the state government of failing to provide basic amenities like roads, healthcare, clean water, and security.
