At least 40 people lost their lives in a tragic stampede at a political rally in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The event, held in Karur district on Saturday, was organized for actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party TVK and drew tens of thousands of supporters.
Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed that the victims included nine children, 17 women, and 13 men. More than 50 others remain hospitalized. Authorities said TVK had sought permission for 10,000 attendees, but the crowd swelled to over twice that number, overwhelming security arrangements.
Police have registered a case against three senior party members, citing possible charges of homicide and negligence. Local reports suggest the surge occurred while Vijay was addressing the rally, forcing him to pause his speech as panic spread through the packed crowd.
Images aired by television channels showed people collapsing and fainting amid the chaos. Stalin announced compensation of one million rupees for each bereaved family and ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Grieving relatives described their devastation. One man told local media that his elder nephew had died while the younger was still missing, with their mother battling for life in intensive care.
Vijay expressed “unbearable pain and sorrow” in a statement, extending condolences to victims’ families and prayers for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called the tragedy “deeply saddening.”
Deadly crowd crushes remain a recurring tragedy in India, where large gatherings often outpace safety measures.
