A massive campaign rally by Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ended in tragedy on Saturday evening, September 27, 2025, when a sudden crowd surge caused a stampede-like crush in Karur district, Tamil Nadu.

According to state health minister Ma Subramanian, the death toll has risen to 36, including 16 women, 9 men, and 6 children, while more than 40 others were injured.

The rally, held at Velusamypuram on the Karur–Erode highway under the banner “Velicham Veliyeru” (Let There Be Light), had official permission for around 30,000 people, but reports suggest that at least 60,000 attended. Police sources said the chaos began when the crowd surged toward the barricades to catch a glimpse of Vijay during his speech.

Videos show Vijay himself pausing his address, throwing water bottles into the crowd, and pleading, “Police, please help,” as he noticed people collapsing amid the crush.

Witnesses reported children separated from families, people fainting in the dense crowd, and ambulances struggling to reach victims due to traffic congestion. Volunteers and locals formed human chains to help create clear pathways for emergency vehicles.

The district administration has described the tragedy as a “stampede-like situation” and ordered a magisterial inquiry. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened an emergency meeting and later announced the appointment of retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan to head a judicial commission into the disaster.

The Tamil Nadu government has announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh to the families of each of the deceased and free treatment for the injured. The Union Home Ministry has also sought a detailed report on the incident.

In a statement, Vijay expressed his deep anguish, saying, “My heart is shattered. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pray for the recovery of the injured.”

The tragedy has prompted widespread condolences from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal are among the leaders who have expressed grief and solidarity with the bereaved families.

The disaster has sparked questions over crowd management, security lapses, and venue preparedness ahead of future TVK rallies, as investigations into the Karur stampede continue.