Tamil Nadu: Stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s Karur rally kills 36, over 40 injured

The deceased include eight children and 16 women, NDTV reported.

Police sources told NDTV that the chaos began when some attendees fainted at a crowded section of the venue, causing panic and triggering the deadly surge.

A senior police officer estimated that “at least 30,000 people had gathered” for the event, though the permission letter granted for the rally mentioned an expected turnout of just 10,000, the report said.

After several people were rushed to hospitals, police baton-charged crowds to drive away people. Water bottles were distributed and medical teams deployed to assist those in distress, officials said, according to India Today.

India Today reported that the actor-politician took aim at the DMK during his speech, indirectly criticising former minister Senthil Balaji for failing to deliver on an airport promise for Karur. Vijay also predicted a political change of guard in Tamil Nadu within six months.

Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock on X, writing: “Reports from Karur saddening. I have ordered urgent treatment for those who fainted, and instructed the health minister, collector and former minister Senthil Balaji to help. The ADGP [senior police officer] has been tasked to restore normalcy. Minister Anbil Mahesh has been directed to extend help on a war footing. I appeal to the public to cooperate with the police.”

This is not the first time Vijay’s rallies have sparked safety concerns. His debut event in Tiruchi earlier this month paralysed the city for hours as crowds escorted his convoy. P

olice had imposed 23 conditions on TVK rallies, including restrictions on convoys, public receptions, and advisories for pregnant women, the elderly and differently abled to watch online. Despite this, many supporters, including families with children, attended, NDTV reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the deaths, posting on X: “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.”

According to the NDTV report, the Madras High Court, hearing TVK’s petition against what it called “tough and unfulfillable conditions,” had previously warned about the risks at Vijay’s rallies. Referring to the chaos at the September 13 Tiruchi event, Justice N Sathish Kumar remarked: “If something untoward had happened, who would take responsibility? As party president, Vijay ought to control the crowds.”

Saturday’s Karur rally was part of Vijay’s ongoing state-wide campaign ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Authorities said order was restored after the tragedy, and the rally was eventually concluded without further disruption.