Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has ordered a judicial probe into the deadly stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, which claimed at least 38 lives and injured dozens. In a swift response to the tragedy, the state government has announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The incident occurred during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally where crowd numbers reportedly exceeded the permitted capacity by more than threefold. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and suffocation as attendees surged toward the stage during Vijay’s speech.
CM Stalin, who is scheduled to visit Karur on Sunday, expressed deep sorrow and emphasized the need for accountability and systemic reform.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. A judicial inquiry will ensure transparency and help prevent such incidents in the future,” he said in a statement.
The state has deployed additional medical teams from Tiruchirappalli and Salem, and district authorities have been instructed to expedite relief measures. Civic bodies have begun coordinating with hospitals to ensure proper care for the injured.
கரூரிலிருந்து வரும் செய்திகள் கவலையளிக்கின்றன.
— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) September 27, 2025
கூட்ட நெரிசலில் சிக்கி மயக்கமுற்று மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள பொதுமக்களுக்குத் தேவையான உடனடி சிகிச்சைகளை அளித்திடும்படி,
முன்னாள் அமைச்சர் @V_Senthilbalaji, மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர் @Subramanian_Ma அவர்களையும் - மாவட்ட…
Political reactions have poured in from across the spectrum. BJP’s K. Annamalai blamed the DMK government for “gross negligence,” while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged party workers to assist in relief efforts. PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed condolences.
Public safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement of crowd-control norms and real-time monitoring at political events. The judicial probe is expected to examine lapses in event planning, police coordination, and emergency response.