36 Dead, Over 50 Injured in Stampede at Vijay’s Political Rally

At least 36 people lost their lives and more than 50 others sustained injuries during a stampede at a political rally held by Tamil actor and politician Vijay on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The incident occurred in Karur, a district in Tamil Nadu, according to MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Among the deceased, eight were children and sixteen were women, highlighting the tragedy’s profound human impact.

The rally was organized by Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, as part of his campaign for the upcoming state elections scheduled for early 2026. Following the incident, local lawmaker Senthil Balaji confirmed that 58 individuals had been hospitalized, with various degrees of injuries.

Vijay, one of the most prominent figures in Tamil cinema for the past three decades, has consistently attracted large crowds to his public meetings since launching his political career in 2024. His rallies have targeted both the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Videos shared by local media depicted chaotic scenes as thousands of supporters surrounded a campaign vehicle where Vijay was addressing the crowd. Reports indicated that Vijay attempted to assist fainting supporters by throwing water bottles from the vehicle and called for police assistance as the situation escalated.

In a statement on social media platform X, Vijay expressed his deep sorrow: “My heart is broken; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow. I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for a speedy recovery for those who are undergoing treatment in the hospital.”

Following the tragic event, authorities deployed at least 44 doctors from nearby districts, including Tiruchirappalli and Salem, to assist in the response efforts. In light of the incident, Chief Minister Stalin announced a compensation of 1 million Indian rupees (approximately €9,671) to the families of each victim. He has also established an inquiry panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede.

This is not the first instance of safety concerns surrounding Vijay’s rallies. Media reports indicate that at least six fatalities occurred during the inaugural meeting of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in October 2024. Despite police-imposed restrictions, such as limiting convoy sizes and altering venues, the overwhelming turnout at these events has consistently strained local infrastructure.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening.” As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of attendees at future political events in the region.