Massive crowd at Tamil star and TVK chief Vijay’s political rally in Karur turns deadly. Victims include 10 children and 17 women; over 46 injured.
Massive Tragedy Unfolds at TVK Rally in Tamil Nadu
A political rally organized by actor-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), turned tragic on Sunday in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, resulting in a stampede that killed 38 people, including 10 children and 17 women. Over 46 others were injured, many critically.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Karur, Tamil Nadu
- Delay: Vijay arrived over 6 hours late
- Crowd Size: Estimated over 30,000 attendees
- Casualties: 38 dead (10 children, 17 women), 46 injured
- Relief Announced: ₹10 lakh ex-gratia to families of deceased
What Triggered the Stampede?
According to police officials:
- Overcrowding and heat caused several people to faint.
- The surge in the crowd led to panic and chaos.
- Videos from the scene showed people screaming, climbing over each other to escape suffocation.
- Ambulances were stuck, struggling to reach the injured due to the packed venue.
Scenes of Chaos Captured on Video
- Vijay was seen throwing water bottles into the crowd to provide relief.
- Some children were lifted onto shoulders, trying to get air as the crowd surged.
- Screams for help filled the air as people were crushed in the chaos.
Delayed Arrival Blamed for Crowd Build-up
Vijay, who had earlier addressed a rally in Namakkal, arrived in Karur six hours behind schedule. The delay led to:
- Uncontrollable swelling of the crowd
- Rising temperatures and suffocation
- A chaotic situation that spiraled into tragedy
Investigations & Government Action
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has demanded a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government.
- CM MK Stalin announced:
- ₹10 lakh compensation for families of the deceased
- ₹1 lakh for those seriously injured
- A judicial inquiry led by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan
Reactions from Leaders
- PM Narendra Modi: “Deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident. My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones.”
- CM MK Stalin: Expressed shock and announced immediate relief measures.
- Vijay’s Statement: After initially avoiding the media, he later said: “My heart is shattered, writhing in pain.”
Safety Lapses and Questions Raised
This isn’t the first time Vijay’s rallies have caused concern:
- His debut rally in Trichy earlier this month brought the city to a standstill for over six hours.
- Police had imposed 23 safety conditions for TVK events—many of which were ignored by supporters.
- Madras High Court had previously questioned the party’s ability to manage crowds, especially when children and elderly were present.
Questions That Need Answers
- Why were previous warnings not heeded after the Trichy rally chaos?
- Did the deliberate delay in Vijay’s arrival contribute to the build-up?
- Were sufficient crowd control and emergency measures in place?
As Tamil Nadu mourns the tragic loss of lives, the accountability of political organizers and authorities is under intense scrutiny. With families devastated, and a public inquiry underway, this disaster could reshape how political rallies are conducted in the state moving forward.
