At least 41 people have died and over 120 have been injured in a massive stampede-like crush at a political rally organised by Tamil film star and politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar known only as Vijay, in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, 27 September 2025, at Velusamypuram on the Karur-Erode highway, where thousands had gathered for Vijay's 'Velicham Veliyeru' (Let There Be Light) campaign meeting.
The victims included 18 women, 13 men and 10 children, according to officials. The death toll rose to 41 after a 60-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries on Monday. Tamil Nadu's Minister for Health and Family Welfare – Ma. Subramaniyan confirmed that the victims were already dead by the time they reached hospital, though the condition of those injured remains stable.
Tens of thousands of people had converged on the venue to attend the campaign event organised by Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, ahead of state elections scheduled for early next year. The tragedy unfolded when Vijay, one of Tamil cinema's most popular stars for three decades, was addressing the rally at around 7.45 pm. Eyewitnesses reported that large sections of the crowd, eager to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician, surged suddenly towards the stage barricades. Several people fainted in the suffocating rush and chaos broke out, forcing Vijay to halt his speech.
Police sources revealed that the Karur rally attracted a crowd far beyond initial estimates. Tamil Nadu police confirmed that TVK had originally sought permission for a gathering of 10,000 people, but more than 27,000 had turned up. Local reports suggested the actual number may have been nearly 60,000 people. Senior police official V Selvaraj told Reuters that the actual crowd was more than double the permitted number.
G Venkataraman, the state's head of police, explained the conditions that led to the tragedy. "The crowds started coming in from 11 a.m. He came at 7.40 p.m. The people lacked sufficient food and water under the hot sun," he said. The venue had already been shifted once from central Karur after police warned of congestion and traffic risks.
Footage circulating on social media showed the 51-year-old actor throwing water bottles into the crowd from the top of his campaign vehicle as supporters fainted in the heat. He paused his speech briefly when ambulances struggled to reach the injured. Ambulances had difficulty navigating the jammed ground, and volunteers eventually formed human chains to carve pathways for the injured. As the situation worsened, Vijay ended his speech early.
A criminal case has been registered against three senior TVK leaders: Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar and V.P. Mathiyalagan. Police have filed potential charges relating to homicide and negligent conduct. Vijay himself was not named in the case.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced compensation of one million rupees for the families of the deceased. Tamil Nadu government sources said a solatium of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured is under consideration. The district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry, and Stalin announced that an inquiry commission headed by a retired judge will investigate the causes of the crush.
"My heart is shattered by this tragedy," Vijay wrote on social media. "I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in hospital."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "deeply saddening" and expressed condolences. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and many other leaders have also reacted to the situation.
One man told Indian news agency ANI from outside a hospital that his brother's two sons had been at the event. "The elder one passed away, the younger one is missing. My relatives, my sister-in-law, is in the ICU. What should I do?" he said.
A district administration official said, "We will fix responsibility once video evidence and testimonies are studied. Crowd-control failures appear evident."
Vijay launched his party in 2024 after announcing his retirement from acting. His rallies have consistently drawn vast crowds, though questions have repeatedly been raised over safety arrangements. At least six people died at the launch of his party last year.
Stampedes remain common in India, where crowd control measures are weak despite frequent tragedies. In January, at least 30 people died during the Hindu Kumbh Mela festival, while in June a crush outside a cricket stadium killed 11.
