At least 39 people have been killed in a tragic stampede during a political rally of actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, India. Among the dead are 17 women and 9 children, while at least 46 others were injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening (September 27). According to eyewitnesses and police, nearly 30,000 people had gathered at the rally venue. The crowd, waiting for Vijay’s arrival, grew increasingly restless as he arrived seven hours late, making it difficult for security forces to control the situation.
A senior police official said that as thousands surged forward at once, several people collapsed and lost consciousness, triggering the deadly stampede.
Videos circulating on social media show chaotic scenes of people pushing against each other in panic, while children and women were seen separated from their families.
At least 31 people, including women and children, were killed and more than 40 others injured in a stampede during a political rally of actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in Tamil Nadu, India.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday evening (September 27) in Velusamaipuram, Karur district.
Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister Ma. Subramanian confirmed that among the dead were 16 women, 9 men, and 6 children.
According to district authorities, thousands of people had gathered along the Karur–Erode highway for the rally titled “Velicham Veliyeru”. The situation spiraled out of control during Vijay’s speech, forcing him to abruptly stop addressing the crowd.
Eyewitnesses reported that around 7:45 p.m., a large crowd surged forward toward the barricades to catch a glimpse of Vijay. In the chaos, many collapsed and were trampled. Several children became separated from their families, and before police and volunteers could restore order, dozens had already been crushed to death.
👉 The incident has plunged the state into mourning, with authorities pledging full support and compensation to the victims’ families.