38 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur
At least 38 people, including eight children and 16 women, died after a stampede erupted at a mega rally led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu. More than 60 others were hospitalized following the chaotic event.
The massive turnout, far exceeding the police-sanctioned limit of 10,000, reportedly swelled to 30,000–35,000 people. Vijay, who arrived six hours late, was forced to abruptly halt his speech as attendees fainted amid the overcrowding. Eyewitnesses reported him distributing water and calling for police assistance while ambulances struggled to reach the distressed crowd.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed the casualties and said over 40 doctors from Tiruchirappalli and Salem were deployed to assist the injured. Heartbreaking scenes emerged from hospitals, including a father carrying his child’s body, while anxious families waited for news of their loved ones.
Vijay left for Chennai via Tiruchirappalli airport without addressing the media or visiting the hospitals. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the state police’s lack of preparedness and called on the DMK government to take responsibility for the tragedy.
