Sat Sep 27 19:22:07 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Tragedy Strikes Tamil Actor Vijay’s Rally: Dozens Dead, Many Injured in Stampede**
**Karur, Tamil Nadu –** At least 36 people have been confirmed dead and over 50 injured following a stampede at a political rally held by Tamil actor Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. The incident occurred as massive crowds gathered to hear Vijay speak, part of his ongoing state tour in preparation for the upcoming 2026 elections.
Authorities report that among the deceased are eight children and 16 women. State lawmaker Senthil Balaji described the event as a stampede and confirmed that 58 individuals have been hospitalized.
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening,” stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X.
Vijay, a prominent figure in Tamil cinema for three decades, launched his political party in 2024, targeting both the governing DMK party and Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. His rallies have consistently drawn enormous crowds.
Videos from the event depict thousands surrounding Vijay as he addressed the audience from atop a campaign vehicle. Eyewitness accounts describe Vijay throwing water bottles to supporters and appealing for police assistance as the crowd became increasingly difficult to manage.
“My heart is broken; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow,” Vijay expressed on X.
Chief Minister MK Stalin is expected to visit the area on Sunday and has announced a compensation of 1 million Indian rupees ($11,280) for the families of the victims. An inquiry panel has been established to investigate the incident.
This is not the first time Vijay’s political gatherings have raised safety concerns. Similar incidents occurred at the party’s launch in October of last year resulting in six deaths. Despite police-imposed restrictions on convoy size and venue changes, the sheer volume of attendees has consistently overwhelmed local infrastructure.
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