At least 40 people, including nine children, were killed and more than 120 injured after a crowd crush at a rally led by Tamil film star and politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu on Saturday night.
The tragedy unfolded in the district, where thousands had gathered for a public meeting of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party ahead of state elections scheduled for early next year. Witnesses reported that fans surged towards Vijay’s campaign bus as he began addressing the rally, triggering panic in the overcrowded grounds.
Tamil Nadu police confirmed that TVK had originally sought permission for a gathering of 10,000 people, but that more than 27,000 had turned up. “The crowds started coming in from 11 a.m. He came at 7.40 p.m. The people lacked sufficient food and water under the hot sun,” said G Venkataraman, the state’s head of police.
A criminal case has since been registered against three senior TVK leaders, Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar and V.P. Mathiyalagan, in connection with the incident. Vijay himself was not named.
Footage circulating on social media showed the 51-year-old actor throwing water bottles into the crowd from the top of his campaign vehicle, as supporters fainted in the heat. He paused his speech briefly when ambulances were struggling to reach the injured, before ending it early as the situation worsened.
“My heart is shattered by this tragedy,” Vijay later wrote on social media. “I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in hospital.”
Tamil Nadu’s health minister Ma Subramanian confirmed that the victims were already dead by the time they reached hospital, but said the condition of those injured was stable. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced compensation of one million rupees (£9,400) for the families of the deceased and said an inquiry commission headed by a retired judge will investigate the causes of the crush.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences, describing the incident as “deeply saddening”.
Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s most popular stars for three decades, launched his party in 2024 after announcing his retirment from acting. His rallies have consistently drawn vast crowds, though questions have repeatedly been raised over safety arrangements. At least six people died at the launch of his party last year.
Stampedes are not uncommon in India, where crowd control measures remain weak despite the frequent tragedies. In January, at least 30 people died during the Hindu Kumbh Mela festival, while in June a crush outside a cricket stadium killed 11.
The Karur incident has once again highlighted the risks of mass political gatherings in Tamil Nadu, where Vijay’s emergence has intensified competition ahead of elections.