Karur Stampede: 36 Dead, Over 50 Injured At Vijay's TVK Rally

A large public gathering led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Vijay in Karur turned chaotic on Saturday evening. The event, which attracted thousands, saw several attendees fainting due to overcrowding. A brief panic ensued when a child reportedly went missing amidst the crowd.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian on Saturday (September 27, 2025) confirmed that at least 36 people have died, while 50 others are currently undergoing treatment. He added that 24 doctors from Tiruchi and 20 doctors from Salem are being deployed to Karur to assist in the medical response.

Following the tragedy, authorities directed all available doctors at Karur Government Hospital to report immediately to the Accident and Emergency Care ward to assist in treating the injured.

Vijay's rally in Namakkal earlier in the day had already drawn significant attention. During this event, he questioned the ruling DMK's unfulfilled promises from the 2021 Assembly election. He emphasised that TVK only makes promises that are feasible, unlike other parties.

Overcrowding Leads to Chaos

The situation at the Karur rally escalated as the crowd surged towards the stage. Despite efforts to maintain order, Vijay had to cut his speech short. Amidst the chaos, he was seen urging police officers to assist after reports of a missing child emerged.

Ambulances were dispatched swiftly as many attendees succumbed to heat and crowd pressure. Several TVK workers were among those who fainted. Vijay reportedly provided water bottles to party members during this distressing time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, describing the incident as "deeply saddening." He extended his thoughts to the families of the victims, wished them strength in this difficult time, and prayed for a swift recovery for those injured.

Party's Response and Safety Measures

Though TVK has not released an official statement regarding the incident, party insiders confirmed that the missing child was eventually found safe. The event highlighted the challenges of managing large crowds and ensuring safety during political rallies.

In his Namakkal address, Vijay criticised the current government for making empty promises. He remarked, "That is why we promise only what is practically possible. We never give false promises like the DMK does."

Focus on Basic Needs

Throughout his campaign, Vijay has been vocal about addressing basic needs such as access to drinking water and proper road infrastructure. These issues have been consistently raised by people during his interactions with them.

The events at Karur underscore the importance of safety measures at large gatherings. Ensuring adequate facilities and crowd control can prevent such incidents in future rallies.