A massive stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s political rally in Karur has claimed at least 38 lives, including six children and 16 women, and left dozens injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “deeply saddening,” while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to visit Karur on Sunday to oversee relief efforts and meet affected families.
The rally, which drew an estimated crowd of over 30,000—far exceeding the permitted 10,000—spiraled into chaos as attendees surged forward during Vijay’s speech. Witnesses reported suffocation and fainting, prompting the actor-politician to personally distribute water and call for police assistance. Despite emergency measures, the situation escalated into a deadly stampede.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote:
PM Narendra Modi tweets, "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… https://t.co/76RqE8tcgy pic.twitter.com/FZQNwHbXPM
— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2025
CM Stalin has directed senior ministers and health officials to provide immediate medical aid. Additional doctors from Tiruchirappalli and Salem have been deployed, and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to investigate crowd-control lapses.
The state government is considering a solatium of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Political leaders across parties, including President Droupadi Murmu, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and AIADMK’s Edappadi K. Palaniswami, have extended condolences and called for accountability.
CM Stalin’s visit to Karur tomorrow is expected to include hospital inspections, meetings with district officials, and a review of emergency protocols. Civic groups have urged the administration to strengthen safety norms for mass gatherings and ensure transparent relief distribution.