Thousands had gathered at the venue for the public meeting, part of Vijay’s ongoing State-wide tour.
Death toll rises in Karur stampede.
Compensation of Rs 10 lakh announced.
More than 35 people are feared dead and several others critically injured after a tragic incident during a massive rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor Vijay in Karur on Saturday. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as members of the densely packed crowd began collapsing suddenly.
“The crowd was huge, and suddenly people started collapsing. It became very difficult to move,” one attendee told local television channels. Some unconfirmed reports suggest that the death toll may have risen to 36.
Thousands had gathered at the venue for the public meeting, part of Vijay’s ongoing State-wide tour. According to reports, the organisers had sought permission for a rally of 10,000 people, but more than 60,000 reportedly attended to catch a glimpse of the actor.
Chief Minister Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh solatium to the family of those who died in the stampede, and Rs 1 lakh for every one injured and being treated in hospitals.
The government has announced a commission to be headed by retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into the circumstances that led to the stampede.
TVK had requested police permission for the roadshow, stating it expected only 10,000 participants. In a letter to the Superintendent of Police, the party’s Karur West District Secretary said Vijay would be travelling by road to Karur and requested permission to install banners, festoons, flex boards, and a public address system. “We studied the area near Light House, Roundtana, with the help of an engineer. The area covers 1,20,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 60,000 people. However, we expect only 10,000 people,” the letter stated, with the engineer’s draft plan attached. Police protection for the meeting was also sought.
Officials said the exact cause of the fatalities is yet to be confirmed. Local television channels quoting police sources reported, “We are investigating whether heat, suffocation, or overcrowding led to these tragic deaths.” The injured were rushed to Karur Medical College Hospital and nearby private hospitals. Due to the sheer number of attendees, ambulances reportedly took several minutes to reach the site. While most victims were treated at Karur District Headquarters Hospital, others were referred to medical colleges in Erode and Tiruchirappalli.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will be visiting Karur to assess the situation on the ground and has instructed Health Minister Senthil Balaji to oversee relief operations. Balaji told reporters that doctors from Salem and other nearby areas had been called in to assist at Karur Government Medical College Hospital. “The government will take care of the expenses,” he said.
President Droupadi Murmu has joined the nation in expressing condolences to the victims and their families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several other political leaders, also conveyed their sympathies.
Following the tragedy, police have registered a case against the organisers, and an investigation has been launched into crowd management and safety measures at the event. Authorities are urging people to avoid the area as rescue and medical operations continue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on X, “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time.”
DMK has accused the VCK of poor crowd management that led to the tragedy
