As Tamil Nadu reels from the tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur that killed at least 38 people, questions are being raised over glaring lapses in planning and crowd management that turned the event into a catastrophe.
Was Crowd Management Ignored At Vijay Rally?
According to police records, TVK had submitted a letter to Karur Police on September 25, stating it expected a turnout of around 10,000 people. However, by Saturday evening, nearly 30,000 to 35,000 people flooded the venue, overwhelming security and logistical arrangements.
Were Police Instructions Ignored?
Police had mandated several conditions for the rally, including separate entry and exit points, barricading around the stage and buffer
zones to regulate crowd flow. These measures, however, were reportedly not implemented in full. Eyewitnesses said barricades were broken when the crowd surged toward the stage while narrow pathways and choke points made escape almost impossible.
Was The Venue Equipped To Hold The Rally?
The venue itself lacked the infrastructure needed to manage such a massive gathering. There were not enough volunteers for crowd control, exits were poorly marked and pathways were too narrow. Ambulances found it difficult to navigate through the densely packed crowd to reach those who had collapsed, delaying critical medical attention.
Did Vijay’s Late Arrival Contribute To The Stampede?
The situation was further aggravated by Vijay’s delayed arrival. The actor-turned-politician reached the venue nearly six hours late, and the restless crowd surged forward as soon as he appeared on stage. The sudden push broke order and triggered panic. As several people, including children, collapsed from suffocation, Vijay was seen pleading for help, shouting, “Police, please help.” He personally threw water bottles into the crowd and arranged ambulances, but the relief came too late for dozens of victims.
The tragedy left 38 dead, including eight children and 16 women, while more than 60 remain hospitalised. Heartbreaking visuals from hospitals showed families wailing in grief, including one father carrying the body of his child in his arms. Vijay, who had abruptly ended his speech as chaos broke out, later left for Chennai via Tiruchirappalli airport without speaking to the media or visiting hospitals in Karur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “deeply saddening” and offered condolences to the bereaved families. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a ₹10 lakh solatium for the families of the deceased, along with a judicial probe led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan. He also rushed ministers and medical teams to Karur to oversee relief measures.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-175899901469690729.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-175899897115982.webp)