Tamil Nadu: A massive crowd crush at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur has left Tamil Nadu in shock. At least 40 people, including 10 minors, were killed and over 50 injured on September 27 after a deadly stampede erupted as thousands surged forward to catch a glimpse of the star-turned-politician. The victims included children as young as two years old — Hemalatha (8), Sailetsana (8), Sai Jeeva (4), Dhuru Vishnu (2), Sanuj (13), Dharanika (14), Pazhaniammal (11), Kokila (14), Krithik (7) and Kishore (17). Most other victims were in their 20s and 30s, including a young couple, both 24, who were soon to be married.
The aftermath was one of chaos and heartbreak as families rushed to hospitals searching for their loved ones. Haunting images showed piles of footwear, torn clothes, TVK scarves, and badges scattered across the rally ground. Disturbing videos captured the screams of women and children trapped in the crush, with bystanders desperately trying to revive those who had fainted. Police estimate that nearly 27,000 people had gathered despite permission being granted for only 10,000. The prolonged five-hour delay in Vijay’s arrival and the further wait for his speech left the crowd restless and exhausted under the hot sun.
Government sources say the situation worsened when Vijay’s vehicle passed through the area with its interior lights switched off, causing many to assume he had already reached the venue. Thousands surged toward the rally ground in a rush that became uncontrollable. Witnesses reported that police baton-charged the crowd moments before the stampede to make way for ambulances, which further fueled panic and caused several people to fall and get trampled. Authorities have pointed to multiple failures, including inadequate barricades, lack of emergency exits, drinking water and first aid, and too few volunteers to control the massive turnout.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited Karur, met with survivors at the Government Medical College Hospital, and announced a solatium of ₹10 lakh for each bereaved family and ₹1 lakh for the injured. He has also ordered a judicial inquiry headed by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to determine the cause of the tragedy and recommend safety protocols for future political events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish and announced ₹2 lakh compensation from the PMNRF for each victim’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Vijay, who initially left Karur without issuing a statement, later expressed deep sorrow, calling the tragedy an “irreparable loss.” He announced ₹20 lakh compensation for each family of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for those injured, promising that his party workers would continue to support the victims and their families.
Police have filed cases against TVK district secretary Mathiazhagan and party leaders Bussy Anand and CT Nirmal Kumar under multiple sections, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, attempt to commit culpable homicide, negligence endangering human life, disobedience of public authority orders, and damage to public property under the TNPPDL Act. Meanwhile, TVK has approached the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) seeking a CBI or independent probe into the incident, claiming that multiple administrative lapses contributed to the deaths.
As Karur mourns, the tragedy has reignited a debate across Tamil Nadu over crowd control, political rally management, and public safety, with growing calls for urgent reforms to prevent such disasters in the future.
