At least 36 dead in stampede at actor Vijay’s rally in Karur; PM Modi condoles loss of lives

At least 36 people including children are reportedly dead and several others injured following a stampede-like situation at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur (Tamil Nadu) on Saturday.

The incident occurred as Vijay’s campaign vehicle moved slowly through a densely packed crowd of supporters. Overcrowding and rising heat caused panic, with several people including party workers and children, fainting and falling. Many were rushed to Karur Medical College Hospital and nearby private hospitals.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: Stampede-like situation was witnessed, and many persons, including a few children, fainted in Karur as a massive crowd gathered for TVK chief and actor Vijay's speech.

The fainted persons were rushed to nearby hospitals in ambulances, and some of them are… pic.twitter.com/DFGH1oH0BI

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi “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 injured.”

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 injured.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2025

#WATCH | Karur stampede: Former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji arrived at Government Medical College and Hospital, Karur

He said, "Till now, 31 people have died in the stampede and 58 people have been admitted. After the stampede incident, the CM immediately… pic.twitter.com/kxMmMEGLeS

— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2025

Union Minister Amit Shah on Saturday expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives in the stampede during TVK chief and actor Vijay’s public rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur.

The Union Minister also prayed to the Almighty to give the strength to victims’ families to bear this grief and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

In a post on X, Shah wrote, “Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 27, 2025

Vijay, who is also the TVK chief, had to abruptly cut short his speech as the crowd became uncontrollable. During the chaos, he was heard calling out from the stage for police assistance, while reports emerged that a child went missing in the throng.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: A large number of people attended the campaign of TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) chief and actor Vijay in Karur

A stampede-like situation reportedly occurred here. Several people fainted and were taken to a nearby hospital. More details are awaited.… pic.twitter.com/4f2Gyrp0v5

— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held an emergency meeting and announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the victims’ families.

Stalin said in a post on X “The news coming from Karur is worrying. I have called former Minister V Senthilbalaji and Minister Subramanian Ma and the District Collector to provide immediate treatment to the civilians who have fainted due to the crowd and have been admitted to the hospital.”

“I have also ordered the Minister from the nearby Trichy district, Anbil Mahesh, to provide necessary assistance on a war footing. I have also spoken to the ADGP there to take steps to improve the situation as soon as possible. I request the public to cooperate with the doctors and the police.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X “Deeply anguished by the tragic accident at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The loss of innocent lives is truly heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured.”

The rally, part of Vijay’s ongoing state tour, had drawn massive crowds. Overcrowding and heat-induced distress forced medical teams to intervene and prompted the leader to end his address earlier than planned.