Stampede at a political rally for popular actor Vijay in southern India kills 36, injures 40
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More than 30 people dead in stampede at political rally for popular Indian actor Vijay
Eight children and 16 women were among those who died at the political rally for Vijay. Vijay is campaigning for election after becoming one of the state’s most successful actors. He halted his speech midway when workers raised alarm after noticing that people were fainting and falling. At least 30 people fainted while Vijay was addressing the rally from atop his campaign vehicle. He ended his speech shortly after sensing an abnormal situation in a section of the huge gathering. He is campaigning ahead of state elections that are to be held in early 2026. Indian media reports, quoting local officials, said as Vijay spoke to the surging crowd, a group of his supporters and fans fell while trying to get close to his bus, causing the stampede. The victims were dead by the time they were taken to a hospital, but the injured were in a stable condition.
State Chief Minister MK Stalin said eight children and 16 women were among those who died on Saturday at the political rally for Vijay — who is campaigning for election after becoming one of the state’s most successful actors.
The victims were dead by the time they were taken to a hospital, but the injured were in a stable condition, another official, state Health Minister Ma Subramanian, said.
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Tens of thousands of people attended the rally in the district of Karur, where temperatures were intensely hot and Vijay arrived hours late, officials said.
Indian media reports, quoting local officials, said as Vijay spoke to the surging crowd, a group of his supporters and fans fell while trying to get close to his bus, causing the stampede.
“There was indiscipline,” at the rally, Mr Subramanian said, adding that an investigation had been ordered.
State officials said the stampede also injured 40 people. (AP: PTI)
Video from local media shows thousands of people surrounding a large campaign vehicle on top of which Vijay, known by only one name, is seen standing and speaking.
During the rally, footage showed Vijay throwing water bottles from the top of the vehicle to fainting supporters, and calling for police help when the crowd became uncontrollable.
Quoting officials, the Press Trust of India news agency reported that at least 30 people fainted while Vijay was addressing the rally from atop his campaign vehicle and were rushed in ambulances to area hospitals.
Tens of thousands of people attended the political rally for popular Indian actor Vijay. (Reuters)
He halted his speech midway when workers raised alarm after noticing that people were fainting and falling, it said, adding that as they were removed to hospitals, Vijay continued his speech.
However, he ended his speech shortly after sensing an abnormal situation in a section of the huge gathering, the news agency said.
Actor expresses ‘pain and sorrow’ after stampede
Vijay was one of Tamil cinema’s most bankable actors for three decades and has drawn massive crowds to his public meetings since launching his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024.
The party has targeted both the state ruling party DMK and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
He is campaigning ahead of state elections that are to be held in early 2026.
Vijay launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024. (AFP: Ramesh Shankar / The Times of India)
Hours after the stampede, Vijay offered his condolences.
“My heart is shattered,” he posted on X.
“I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express.”
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Mr Modi said the “unfortunate incident” was “deeply saddening”.
“My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones,” he said on social media.
India’s opposition parties protest controversial electoral roll revision Photo shows A crowd of protesters in India Critics and opposition leaders say the exercise will impact minorities the most, including Muslims, and disallow them from voting.
“Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.”
Stampedes have caused deaths at other events in India involving large crowds.
At least 30 people were killed in January as tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to bathe in a sacred river during the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering.
In July last year, 121 people were killed in northern Uttar Pradesh state during a Hindu religious gathering.
AP/Reuters/AFP
Stampede At A Political Rally For Popular Actor Vijay In Southern India Kills 36, Injures 40 – Beritaja
The rally was being addressed by Vijay, 1 of Tamil Nadu’s about successful actors-turned-politician. Indian media reports, quoting section officials, said arsenic Vijay said to the surging crowd, a group of his supporters and fans fell while trying to get adjacent to his bus. Supporters had gathered astatine the governmental rally amid intensely basking temperatures and Vijay arrived hours late, officials said. The victims were dormant by the clip they were taken to a infirmary and that the injured were stable, a state official said.. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the “unfortunate incident” was “deeply saddening,” adding that he was “praying for a swift betterment to each those injured”
NEW DELHI — A stampede astatine a rally for a celebrated Indian character and leader successful the confederate authorities of Tamil Nadu killed astatine slightest 36 group and injured 40 others, the state’s wellness curate said precocious Saturday.
Ma Subramanian told The Associated Press that the victims were dormant by the clip they were taken to a infirmary and that the injured were stable. The dormant included 8 children, Subramanian said.
The rally, which officials opportunity was attended by tens of thousands of people, was being addressed by Vijay, 1 of Tamil Nadu’s about successful actors-turned-politician successful the territory of Karur.
Indian media reports, quoting section officials, said arsenic Vijay said to the surging crowd, a group of his supporters and fans fell while trying to get adjacent to his bus, causing the stampede. Supporters had gathered astatine the governmental rally amid intensely basking temperatures and Vijay arrived hours late, officials said.
“There was indiscipline” astatine the rally, Subramanian said, adding that an investigation had been ordered.
Quoting officials, the Press Trust of India news agency reported that astatine slightest 30 group fainted while Vijay was addressing the rally from atop his run conveyance and were rushed successful ambulances to area hospitals. He halted his reside mid-way erstwhile workers raised siren aft noticing that group were fainting and falling, it said, adding that arsenic they were removed to hospitals, Vijay continued his speech.
However, he ended his reside soon aft sensing an abnormal business successful a conception of the immense gathering, the news agency said.
Hours aft the accident, Vijay offered his condolences.
“My bosom is shattered,” he posted connected X. “I americium writhing successful unbearable, indescribable symptom and sorrow that words cannot express.”
Relatives of group who were killed successful a stampede during a rally for a celebrated Indian character and politician, mourn arsenic they return the bodies from a hospital, successful Karur, successful the confederate authorities of Tamil Nadu, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. Uncredited/AP Uncredited/AP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the “unfortunate incident” was “deeply saddening.”
My thoughts are pinch the families who person mislaid their loved ones. Wishing spot to them successful this difficult time. Praying for a swift betterment to each those injured,” he said connected societal media.
In confederate Indian states, peculiarly Tamil Nadu, immoderate movie stars person larger than life status, rooted successful the ancient Tamil civilization of leader believe and image worship. Many person go politicians and immoderate person moreover been fixed divine status.
In 2024, Vijay retired from acting and launched his ain governmental party. It was unclear whether he plans to tally for agency successful Tamil Nadu state.
Stampedes are comparatively communal successful India erstwhile ample crowds gather. In January, astatine slightest 30 group were killed arsenic tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to bathe successful a ineffable stream during the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest belief gathering.
Vijay rally stampede: At least 36 people killed and dozens injured at campaign event for Indian actor-politician
Vijay is one of Tamil cinema’s biggest actors for three decades. He has drawn massive crowds to his public meetings since launching his political party. At least 40 people were injured at the event and that eight children were among the dead. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening” Indian media reports, quoting local officials, said stampede was triggered when a group of Vijay’s supporters and fans fell while trying to get close to his bus. Footage also showed Vijay throwing water bottles from the top of the vehicle to fainting supporters.
Ma Subramanian, the state’s health minister, said at least 40 people were injured at the event and that eight children were among the dead.
Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest actors for three decades, has drawn massive crowds to his public meetings since launching his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024.
A video posted to his social media last month showed the scale of his rallies.
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Indian media reports, quoting local officials, said Saturday’s stampede was triggered when a group of Vijay’s supporters and fans fell while trying to get close to his bus.
Footage also showed Vijay throwing water bottles from the top of the vehicle to fainting supporters during the rally, and calling for police help when the crowd became uncontrollable.
Image: Pic: AP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X: “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening.”
In a post on social media following the incident, Vijay said his “heart is shattered”.
“I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur,” he added.
“I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital.”
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Stampedes are relatively common in India when large crowds gather.
In June, at least 11 people died after a crush outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after a cricket team won their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
It is also not the first time Vijay’s rallies have faced safety concerns, with at least six deaths reported after the first meeting of his political party when it was launched in October last year.
Stampede at Actor’s Political Rally Kills at Least 36 in India
At least 36 people were killed and 45 were admitted to hospitals in Karur. The state’s chief minister, M.K. Stalin, said the dead included eight children. Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar had been speaking on a makeshift stage, erected on top of a bus.
At least 36 people were killed and 45 were admitted to hospitals in Karur, the city in the southern state of Tamil Nadu where the episode took place, the state’s chief minister, M.K. Stalin, said on social media. He said the dead included eight children, and the state’s health minister, Ma Subramanian, told local news outlets that the overall toll was likely to rise.
The actor and politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, known professionally as Vijay, had been speaking on a makeshift stage, erected on top of a bus, when the stampede began.
Mr. Chandrasekhar, 51, is one of Tamil Nadu’s most successful actors, starring in many of the film industry’s biggest commercial hits. In 2024, he quit his acting career to enter politics, starting his own political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Stampede At Vijay Rally In India Leaves Dozens Dead
Stampede At Vijay Rally In India Leaves Dozens Dead. A massive crowd surge at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s campaign event in Tamil Nadu results in 36 deaths. Among the deceased were eight children, underscoring the scale of heartbreak that swept through the region and the nation at large. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the formation of a commission, to be led by retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan, to thoroughly investigate the causes and management failures that contributed to the tragedy. The rally, which drew an estimated 30,000 people, was marked by intense heat and growing restlessness as Vijay, a beloved figure in Tamil cinema and now an emerging political force, arrived hours behind schedule. At least 30 people reportedly fainted while Vijay addressed the crowd from atop his campaign vehicle. He paused his speech multiple times, personally distributing water bottles to fainting supporters and calling for police assistance when the situation became unmanageable. The disaster has cast a harsh spotlight on the recurring problem of crowd control at large public gatherings in India.
Key Points Report at least 36 deaths and over 50 injuries from a stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27, 2025.
Announce official investigation and compensation of one million rupees for victims’ families, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister appointing a commission.
Highlight challenges of crowd control at large events, as the rally drew 30,000 attendees amid heat and delays causing unrest.
On September 27, 2025, tragedy struck the city of Karur in Tamil Nadu, southern India, as a political rally for popular actor-turned-politician Vijay ended in a devastating stampede that claimed at least 36 lives and left more than 50 others injured. Among the deceased were eight children, underscoring the scale of heartbreak that swept through the region and the nation at large. The rally, attended by tens of thousands, was intended to be a major campaign event for Vijay’s newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, but quickly descended into chaos as the crowd surged forward, resulting in deadly consequences.
According to Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister, Ma Subramanian, the victims were dead by the time they reached local hospitals, while those injured were reported to be in stable condition. “There was indiscipline at the rally,” Subramanian told the Associated Press, adding that an official investigation had been ordered into the circumstances that led to the disaster. The rally, which drew an estimated 30,000 people, was marked by intense heat and growing restlessness as Vijay, a beloved figure in Tamil cinema and now an emerging political force, arrived hours behind schedule. Witnesses reported that the crowd’s patience wore thin, and some attendees attempted to rush towards Vijay’s campaign bus as he finally took the stage, triggering the stampede.
Indian media outlets, including The Times of India and the Hindustan Times, described scenes of mounting distress as people lost consciousness in the crush. At least 30 people reportedly fainted while Vijay addressed the crowd from atop his campaign vehicle. He paused his speech multiple times, personally distributing water bottles to fainting supporters and calling for police assistance when the situation became unmanageable. Video footage from the event showed ambulances struggling to navigate through the dense throng, with Vijay urging attendees to make way for emergency responders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded swiftly to the tragedy, expressing his condolences on social media. “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening,” he wrote. “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.”
Vijay himself, visibly shaken, posted his grief online, stating, “My heart is shattered. 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 a speedy recovery for those who are undergoing treatment in the hospital.” His words resonated with the public, many of whom have followed his career from superstar actor to political aspirant. The 51-year-old, who retired from acting in 2024 to launch his own party, has drawn massive crowds to his rallies, a testament to his enduring popularity and the fervor of his supporters.
The political ramifications of the incident were immediate. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the formation of a commission, to be led by retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan, to thoroughly investigate the causes and management failures that contributed to the tragedy. Stalin also declared that families of the victims would receive one million rupees (approximately $11,200) in compensation, an attempt to offer some solace amid the grief. State lawmaker Senthil Balaji reported that 58 people had been admitted to hospital following the stampede, highlighting the severity of the injuries sustained.
The disaster has cast a harsh spotlight on the recurring problem of crowd control at large public gatherings in India. Stampedes are, unfortunately, not uncommon in the country. In January 2025, at least 30 people were killed during the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering, as tens of thousands rushed to bathe in a sacred river. In July 2024, a staggering 121 people lost their lives in Uttar Pradesh during a Hindu religious event. Even sports celebrations have not been immune: 11 fans were crushed to death in Bengaluru this June during festivities for a local cricket team’s Premier League victory.
Vijay’s rallies, in particular, have previously raised safety concerns. When his political party was launched in October 2024, media reports indicated that at least six people died during the inaugural meeting due to overcrowding. Despite police-imposed restrictions on convoy sizes and last-minute venue changes, the sheer scale of public turnout has repeatedly overwhelmed local infrastructure, leading to tragic outcomes. As The Guardian noted, “Despite police-imposed restrictions, including limits on convoy size and venue changes, the sheer scale of public turnout has repeatedly overwhelmed local infrastructure.”
The phenomenon of actors transitioning into politics is not new in Tamil Nadu, where film stars often enjoy larger-than-life status. Vijay, whose full name is Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, has been a fixture in Tamil cinema for over three decades and commands a following that borders on the devotional. His entry into politics, targeting both the state’s ruling DMK party and Prime Minister Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has electrified the local political scene ahead of state elections scheduled for early 2026. The rally in Karur was part of his campaign tour, aimed at mobilizing support and demonstrating the strength of his new party.
As details of the tragedy continue to emerge, questions abound regarding the adequacy of crowd management measures at such high-profile events. Officials have pointed to a combination of factors: the overwhelming turnout, the intense heat, Vijay’s delayed arrival, and the fervor of his supporters all contributed to a volatile situation. Local news outlets cited reports that some in the crowd attempted to get closer to Vijay’s bus, while others fainted due to exhaustion and heat, further fueling the panic. According to Press Trust of India, “as Vijay spoke to the surging crowd, a group of his supporters and fans fell while trying to get close to his bus, causing the stampede.”
The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols at mass gatherings, especially those involving celebrities-turned-politicians who wield immense influence. The commission of inquiry, led by Judge Jagadeesan, is expected to scrutinize the planning, crowd control strategies, and emergency response actions taken by both the organizers and local authorities. Chief Minister Stalin has urged the public to cooperate fully with doctors and police as the investigation proceeds.
For the families of the victims, compensation offers little comfort in the face of such profound loss. The images of chaos, grief, and heroism—Vijay pausing to help the injured, ambulances weaving through crowds, and the stunned silence that followed—will linger in the collective memory of Tamil Nadu. As the state and the country mourn, the hope is that this latest tragedy will spur a serious re-examination of how public safety is managed at large-scale events, so that such heartbreak might be prevented in the future.