31 Feared Dead In Stampede At TVK Chief Vijay's Tamil Nadu Rally

At least 31 people are feared died after tens of thousands gathered in Tamil Nadu’s Karur for a mega political rally led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, where the overwhelming crowd caused a stampede, as several attendees fainted and required medical attention.

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

Witnesses reported a stampede as the crowd became uncontrollable while Vijay was addressing the rally. A few children were among those who fell unconscious at the rally.

Several workers noticed the situation and raised an alarm, 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 some of them were reported to have died.

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MK Stalin Orders Immediate Medical Attention

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK 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 neighboring 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 visit Karur tomorrow. 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.

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.