At Least 40 Killed in Stampede at Actor-Politician Vijay’s Rally in Tamil Nadu

On 27 September, a political rally by Indian film star-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Vijay, ended in tragedy after a stampede killed at least 40 people, including women and children, and left more than 120 others injured.

State officials confirmed the death toll rose overnight as several critically injured victims succumbed in hospital. Nine children were among the dead, according to Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian.

How the Stampede Unfolded

The incident occurred in Karur district, where tens of thousands had gathered to see Vijay address supporters of his newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Permission for the rally was granted for 10,000 people, but police later estimated that more than double that number arrived.

Eyewitnesses said the crush began shortly after Vijay mounted a campaign vehicle to deliver his speech. Many had been waiting in sweltering heat for hours without food or water.

When his convoy entered the packed venue around 7:30 pm—more than six hours later than scheduled—excitement surged into chaos. Some supporters perched in trees for a better view reportedly fell onto the crowd below, worsening the panic. Ambulances struggled to reach the scene as thousands pressed forward.

“There was an absolute lack of management,” a campaign source told sources, adding that organisers had earlier warned against following Vijay’s vehicle from other districts into Karur, which was already at breaking point.

Chaos During Vijay’s Address

Witnesses said multiple people fainted during the address. Vijay, at one point, threw water bottles into the crowd and called for ambulances. But as his vehicle prepared to leave, large groups surged after it, triggering the fatal crush.

Reports indicate Vijay continued speaking initially, unaware of the full scale of the unfolding disaster. He later departed for Chennai, learning of the fatalities only after a stop in Trichy.

The actor has since remained silent publicly, except for a brief post on X: “My heart is shattered. I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express.”

Political and Official Responses

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited Karur on Sunday, meeting grieving families and announcing compensation of ₹1 million (about S$16,300) to each bereaved household, along with ₹200,000 for the injured.

He said a one-member inquiry panel headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan had been formed and would report findings within a month. Asked whether Vijay might face arrest, Stalin said action would follow the committee’s inquiry.

Detectives have also filed cases against local TVK organisers for failing to manage the rally crowd.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “deeply saddening” in a post on X, while several opposition leaders blamed both the party and the authorities for failing to enforce crowd limits.

A History of Safety Concerns?

This is not the first time Vijay’s rallies have faced scrutiny. Media reports alleged that at least six people have died since TVK’s founding in October 2024. Authorities had since imposed restrictions on convoy size and venue choices, but turnout has consistently overwhelmed local infrastructure.

The tragedy also highlights the risks of India’s celebrity-driven politics, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where actors often command fan followings on par with religious devotion.

Looking Ahead

State police chief G. Venkataraman acknowledged that the number of officers deployed—about 500—was inadequate given the actual turnout. Medical teams from neighbouring districts were rushed in overnight to treat the injured, many of whom remain hospitalised.

As the investigation continues, the disaster has prompted urgent debate in India about crowd safety, political accountability, and the dangers of mixing mass entertainment culture with electoral politics.

Watch videos here: