Stampede At Actor-Politician Vijay's Rally In Karur Leaves 38 Dead; PM Modi, CM Stalin React

At least 38 persons, including children, died due to a stampede that broke out at the rally of actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu's Karur on Saturday, NDTV reported, citing official sources.

Former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji told news agency ANI that 58 people have been admitted to the local hospitals. "As of now, 46 persons are in private hospital, and 12 persons are admitted in a government hospital for treatment," he said.

Vijay, who recently launched his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), arrived around six hours late at the rally venue in Karur, NDTV reported, adding that around 30,000 people had gathered at the venue to hear him.

The crowd swelled and became uncontrollable even as Vijay was addressing the gathering, and a number of persons including party workers and a few children fainted and fell down.

Several workers noticed the situation and raised an alarm, and Vijay took note and halted his speech and threw water bottles from atop the custom-built campaign bus, PTI reported. Ambulances had a tough time negotiating the heavily crowded thoroughfare to reach the spot, the news agency added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement, expressing sorrow over the incident. "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," he posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the loss of lives.

After the fatal stampede was reported, Tamil Nadu Health Minister M Subramaniyan rushed to Karur, NDTV reported. Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed Karur district secretary V Senthilbalaji to keep monitoring the situation.

Stalin, in a post on social media, said, "The news coming from Karur is worrying. I have asked for immediate medical treatment to the public who were admitted to hospital after they fainted due to the stampede."

Vijay's rallies have drawn criticism earlier as well. Earlier in September, his debut rally in Trichy led to a massive traffic snarl as a huge crowd followed his convoy from the airport to the venue. The 20-minute journey was reportedly completed in six hours due to the traffic snarl caused.

The Tamil Nadu police had, citing the safety concerns, asked TVK rally organisers to adhere to strict conditions. This included restrictions on public receptions, and advisories for elderly and disabled persons, and pregnant women.