Karur: A massive stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has claimed at least 38 lives, including eight children and 17 women, with over 50 others injured. The disaster occurred on the evening of September 27, 2025, at Velusamypuram, where actor-turned-politician Vijay was scheduled to address a crowd estimated at 30,000. Hospitals across Karur, Dindigul, and Tiruchirappalli have admitted the injured, many in critical condition.
Health Minister Ma Subramanian provided an update: “The deceased include eight children, 17 women, and 13 men. Over 50 injured individuals are undergoing treatment, and we are doing everything to save lives. Trauma teams have been deployed to all hospitals, and additional ambulances are on standby”. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos. “People started pushing and shoving near the main stage when entry was delayed,” said Ramesh, a resident of Velusamypuram. “Within minutes, people were falling and being trampled. Children and elderly were the worst affected”. Another attendee added, “The crowd suddenly surged forward. It was terrifying; screams filled the air”. “People tried to help each other, but it was impossible in that crush”.
Police officials confirmed that preliminary assessments point to insufficient crowd control and poor barricade management. “We are reviewing security arrangements, crowd flow, and emergency response measures,” said Karur Superintendent of Police M. Rajendran. “A high level inquiry will determine the cause and accountability”.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed shock and grief over the incident. “This is a deeply painful tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased and to those injured,” he said. Stalin announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for those critically injured. He also ordered a Commission of Inquiry headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the circumstances.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned the incident: “I am deeply pained by this tragedy. My prayers are with the families and the injured. The Centre will extend all possible assistance to Tamil Nadu authorities”. Opposition leaders voiced their concern and demanded accountability. BJP leader K. Annamalai said, “This is shocking. Proper planning could have prevented this. Those responsible must be held accountable”. PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss added, “We must ensure strict safety norms for large public gatherings. The state government must provide clarity on security arrangements”. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan also commented: “Lives are priceless. Event organizers must prioritize safety over spectacle. Political rallies must not become sites of disaster”.
Local residents criticized the organization of the event, Priya Rajan, a Karur resident, said, “There were no proper barricades. Emergency exits were insufficient. People had no way to escape. This could have been prevented”. Another attendee said, “We were standing near the entrance when people started shouting. The crowd surged forward, and before I knew it people were falling on top of each other. Children were crying, and mothers were screaming”. Vijay, the event’s main attraction, addressed the media after the tragedy, “My heart goes out to the victims and their families. We are cooperating fully with the authorities. I appeal to the public to remain calm and not speculate on causes before the investigation concludes”.
Authorities confirmed that nearly 30,000 people had attended the rally, with several local buses bringing in supporters from surrounding districts. Initial assessments suggest that overcrowding near the main stage and lack of crowd flow planning were primary causes. Police and disaster management officials are working to ensure that families of victims receive immediate assistance and compensation. Public safety experts have urged political parties to adopt stricter safety protocols for rallies and large events.
“Crowd management is critical,” said Dr. Meena Iyer, a public safety consultant. “Events of this scale require barricades, crowd segregation, emergency medical facilities, and trained personnel to prevent such tragedies”. The stampede has sparked political debate and calls for accountability. Opposition leaders have demanded a judicial inquiry, while public protests have been reported outside government offices in Karur, demanding justice for the victims.
This tragedy highlights the risks associated with mass gatherings in India and underscores the urgent need for stringent safety regulations and enforcement. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities examining event organization, crowd control measures, and the adequacy of emergency response mechanisms. With multiple state and national leaders condemning the incident and committing to immediate action, the focus remains on aiding survivors, investigating causes, and ensuring that such a disaster does not occur again.
