A tragic incident occurred at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, resulting in a stampede that claimed the lives of 40 individuals, with an additional 124 people sustaining injuries, according to the state’s health minister Ma Subramanian. The casualties included nine children, with 36 people pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital on Saturday, and four more succumbing to their injuries later.
The rally, organized for the well-known actor and politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Vijay, attracted a massive crowd of tens of thousands in Karur district. Vijay, a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu’s entertainment industry, is also a candidate in the upcoming state elections in 2026.
In certain regions of southern India, celebrities, especially from the film industry, hold a revered status deeply ingrained in the local culture, leading some to transition into successful political careers. The incident occurred as Vijay, who was significantly delayed in addressing the rally, attempted to disperse water bottles to his supporters from his campaign vehicle, triggering a chaotic situation where fans chased after his departing vehicle, ultimately resulting in the stampede.
The lack of crowd control measures and the overwhelming turnout exacerbated the situation, leading to the unfortunate incident. The government has initiated an investigation, with the former judge appointed to head the probe expected to deliver a report within a month. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased.
Vijay, who retired from acting in 2024 to establish his own political party, expressed his grief and condolences following the tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sadness over the incident, highlighting the need for improved crowd management practices to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Stampedes are not uncommon in India during events with large crowds. Earlier this year, a similar tragedy claimed the lives of 30 individuals during a religious festival, underscoring the importance of implementing stringent crowd control measures to ensure public safety.
