Vijay Karur rally stampede: Death count rises to 40; TVK moves Madras HC seeking CBI probe | Highlights

Former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss says, "Women and children should not have been brought to such campaign events; the government must ensure larger venues are allotted in the future to avoid overcrowding and ensure safety."

BJP leader K Annamalai met Karur stampede victims at the Medical College and Hospital.

BJP leader K Annamalai says, "We clearly find fault with the local administration because it's very clear the government has to act as an honest broker... The government utterly failed yesterday... There were hardly 100 policemen on the ground... The complete responsibility and failure lie with the local and state administrations... TVK and Vijay also have to take responsibility for how the yatra was designed... For no more lives to be lost, Vijay and TVK have to rectify their mistakes, and the state government has to take 100% ownership for the utter failure of intelligence and deployment of manpower."

No stone-pelting was reported during actor-turned-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, but pointed that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leadership flouted rules, said Tamil Nadu ADGP Davidson Devasirvatham on Sunday, a day after a stampede there claimed 40 lives and left more than 70 people injured. Click here to updates. 

BJP leader K Annamalai says, "It is not Vijay's fault. It is for the state police and intelligence to anticipate the crowd and deploy the police force adequately... Why did the police give them permission for 7 hours? Give it for 2 hours... As the Tamil Nadu BJP, we are demanding a CBI inquiry... The state CM wants a one-man former judge inquiry commission, and he also handpicked the judge. How can it be a fair inquiry?"

DMK MP Kanimozhi says, "The Chief Minister has ensured that the district missionary and the party missionary are here to support... Even if the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister comes for a political rally, the party has to follow certain conditions. There's no one above it... A one-woman commission has been appointed by the CM in this matter... Let her report come out."

MDMK MP Durai Vaiko says, "It is a terrible tragedy that has not only shaken Tamil Nadu but has probably shaken the entire nation... This is not the first time such an incident has happened. It has happened so many times, not only in Tamil Nadu but across the nation. A few months ago, during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, the same incident occurred... Then, in Bangalore, during the IPL victory celebration, such an incident happened. The people who organise such events should ensure that the function happens within the ambit of the law... The public should also have awareness."

"The commission has been set up to address shortcomings. Incidents like this should not occur in the future, and the necessary remedial measures will be taken," said retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan, appointed by the state government for a detailed inquiry into the Karur stampede. 

“Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to families of deceased, Rs 1 lakh to injured,” says Karur District Collector M Thangavel.

“Our probe shows there was no stone pelting,” says Tamil Nadu ADGP Davidson Devasirvatham on Karur stampede.

Retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan, appointed by the state government for a detailed inquiry into the Karur stampede, has arrived at the site of the stampede.

DMK MP Kanimozhi has arrived at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur to meet with the victims.

"A total of 40 people have died in the stampede so far. The Chief Minister arrived immediately at night and ordered proper treatment for the injured. He announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those receiving treatment. A help desk has been opened at the hospital... The Tamil Nadu government has taken steps to prevent further deaths," says Karur Collector M Thangavel, as reported by news agency ANI.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy says, "The incident that happened in Tamil Nadu is very unfortunate. We pay homage to those who have lost their lives... I appeal to all the political parties to take precautionary measures so that such an incident should not happen again."

BJP leader CN Ashwath Narayan says, "I pray to God for the peace of the souls of those who lost their lives, and may God give strength to the families who lost their loved ones to bear this loss. I condemn this incident. What has happened is a complete failure of the administration. To be fair and impartial, I just want to say that it is a complete intelligence failure and a failure of law and order."

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara says, "Recently, such incidents have not occurred at political events in India or any other state. But unfortunately, it happened in Karur yesterday. I am confident that the Tamil Nadu government will provide whatever necessary support and compensation to those families. I would also like to suggest that these kinds of events should be reviewed in terms of security arrangements and other precautions."

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chaired a high-level review meeting at the auditorium of the Government Medical College Hospital. The meeting was held to assess the ongoing medical treatment and assistance being provided to those injured in the stampede during the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s rally, and to discuss further measures required.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday said the Commission led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan would arrive in Karur later in the day to probe the stampede incident. He said Chief Minister M K Stalin would take appropriate action based on the report submitted by the panel. "The Commission will speak to the affected individuals and submit its report. Based on its recommendations, the Chief Minister will take suitable action," Udhayanidhi told reporters.

Students and women hold candlelight vigil in Thanjavur for those injured in Karur tragedy.

Retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan, who is leading the enquiry commission, leaves for Karur to probe the stampede at TVK leader Vijay's rally

CPI leader D Raja said, "I am deeply shocked and sad at the tragedy that took place in Karur at the political rally organised by TVK. The initial reports given by the DGP indicate the late arrival of the leader, subterfuge of the crowd, and a lack of proper arrangements for water and other necessities. The security of people must not be compromised... Such incidents should be avoided. Political parties must also be cautious when organising such road shows."

Relatives of those who were killed in a stampede mourn the loss of their loved ones as they make arrangements for the last rites.

Actor-politician Vijay led TVK on Sunday made a mention before Justice M Dhandapani of the Madras High Court to order CBI or Special Investigation Team probe into the tragic death of 40 people during a stampede at a rally held by the party on September 27 in Karur. A group of advocates led by TVK's advocates' wing president S Arivazhagan went to the residence of Justice M Dhandapani on Greenways Road and made a mention.

In the alternative, they requested the court to initiate suo motu proceedings into the incident (death of 40 people due to a stampede). According to TVK party functionary Nirmal Kumar, the judge asked the advocates to file a petition before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, and it will be taken up for hearing on Monday at 2.15 pm.

The death count in the tragic stampede incident during Vijay's rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur has climbed to 40, according to a senior health official. 

Tamil Maanila Congress leader GK Vasan said, The government and police department must answer. What norms were followed and what were not? How can you allow 40 lives to be lost?"

On the Karur stampede, Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam said, "Precautionary action taken by the government. My party wants a CBI inquiry."

On the Karur stampede, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "... Its a very tragic and painful situation. Something is wrong in our country with crowd management. Every year, there seems to be an incident. We remember Bengaluru. It is very heartbreaking when we hear children being killed in these stampedes... For me, the argument is about what can we do as a systematic policy nationally to protect ordinary people. People go in a spirit to listen to a politician who happens to be a movie star, or to see cricketers, who are also stars for us, the basic thing should be that there should be certain rules, standards, and protocols in place... At the same time I earnestly appeal to the central government and all state governments to agree on a set of very strict procedures governing all large crowds in any circumstances so that we do not needlessly suffer the grief and anguish of loved ones being lost in these terrible stampedes..."

On the Karur stampede, BJP state president Madan Rathore said, "This is very unfortunate...They (TVK) were granted permission for a gathering of 10,000 people, the administration thought that 30,000 people might gather, but more than 1 lakh people gathered, a stampede ensued, and several citizens were killed... The central government is also focusing on the treatment of the injured..."

BJP Mahila Morcha National President Vanathi Srinivasan said, "At present, we don't want to play the blame game. The government is responsible for providing adequate protection and ensuring an orderly public meeting for whoever is organising it. Prima facie, it is the dharmic responsibility of the state government. This is not the first incident; on several occasions, even the BJP has faced it, as they did not provide a proper venue and proper security arrangements. Even for a protest, the democratic right is being denied by the DMK government... We stand with the statement made by our State President..."

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda on Sunday mourned the deaths of 39 people during a political rally organised by actor-turned-politician and TVK chief Vijay in Karur in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. "Deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I also wish a speedy recovery to all those injured," the JD(S) supremo said in a post on 'X'.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. The PMO India handle in separate posts on X said: "PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000."

TVK Chief Actor Vijay, in an X post, said, "In a way that defies imagination, thinking about what happened in Karur yesterday, my heart and mind are overwhelmed with profound heaviness. In the midst of the immense grief of losing our loved ones, I am at a loss for words to express the pain my heart endures. My eyes and mind are clouded with sorrow.  The faces of all of you whom I have met keep flashing through my mind. The more I think of my loved ones who show affection and care, the more my heart slips further from its place... I pray to God that all our loved ones who are injured and undergoing treatment recover swiftly and return home. I also assure you that our Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will steadfastly provide all necessary support to our loved ones under treatment.  By the grace of God, let us strive to recover from all this."

As he heads to Karur to meet the stampede victims and their families, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol. Thirumavalavan said, "At present, 39 people, including women and children, have lost their lives, and several others are battling for survival under intensive care. This tragedy is deeply disturbing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and urge the government to provide advanced medical treatment to the injured. The State Government has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each for the injured. The compensation must be raised to ₹50 lakh for each family of the deceased and ₹5 lakh each for the injured. The gesture of the CM provided solace to the victims, and the work done by the ministers on the ground, offering support, is commendable. Political rallies often draw lakhs of people, mostly young men who rush with great enthusiasm towards the stage. Leaders must carefully consider the time, venue, and duration of speeches to avoid overcrowding. A delay in starting events only worsens congestion. In the past 30 years, we have conducted rallies with lakhs of people. We know the scale of the crowd better than the police. The police decide arrangements based on our estimates, and therefore, leaders must plan accordingly. I have realised that cooperating with police guidelines is essential to avoid such tragedies... When we are in mourning, blaming one side or the other is not appropriate. A judicial inquiry led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan has already been constituted, and I believe it will reveal the true reasons behind this disaster. TVK chief Vijay had already expressed his sorrow. I believe he will go back again to meet and console the affected people."

Family members of a victim grieve the loss as they perform the last rites at Palamapuram Electric Crematorium.

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udayanidhi Stalin said, "It's a huge loss and it cannot be replaced. We have advised the health department to make sure no further deaths occur due to the stampede. After such a scandal, it should not happen again, and for that, this government will take full action. CM has instructed that a single-person commission, headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, be formed to inquire about the stampede incident. Aruna Jagadeesan is expected to arrive in Karur today. Our Chief Minister will take legal action as per the report of the enquiry commission."

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured all necessary support, and the Union Home Ministry has sought an explanation from the state government regarding the Karur incident," said Union Minister L Murugan.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami on Sunday said that the stampede would not have taken place if adequate security would have been provided for the TVK rally. "We were informed that the stampede occurred because of an electric current. Such a campaign was previously held in 4 districts, and the police should have provided adequate security. I dont think that was done," ANI quoted EPS as saying.

"Even in our AIADMK meeting, no proper security was provided," he said, adding that thousands of police are deployed during DMK meetings.

The Karur town police have registered a case against several people, including TVK West District Secretary Mathiyalagan, General Secretary Anand and Joint secretary Nirmal kumar and others, under sections 109,110,125b, 223 of BNS. Sections 109 and 110 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deal with attempt to murder and attempt to commit culpable homicide, respectively. Section 125 addresses acts that endanger life or personal safety of others through rash or negligent behaviour, while Section 223 pertains to disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant.

(Input: T Raghwan) 

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran on the Karur stampede, said, "The Supreme Court bench should immediately take this up for inquiry."

 "The location selection for the rally was inappropriate and the police security was also very poor," said DMDK's Premalatha Vijayakanth.

YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy condoled the deaths of the stampede victims. Reddy expressed anguish over the incident, calling it an "extremely painful" tragedy for families who lost their loved ones. "My heartfelt prayers are with the bereaved families who are passing through unimaginable grief. I stand with them in this dark hour," said Reddy in a YSRCP press release issued late on Saturday.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu condoled the deaths of the stampede victims. The CM expressed grief over the tragedy and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the stampede at Karur. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the injured," said Naidu in a post on X late on Saturday.

Tamil Nadu Medical Education Director Suganthy Rajakumari speaks to the media.

On the Karur stampede, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary, P Senthil Kumar, said, "In this unfortunate incident, 39 deaths have been reported. 17 women, 13 men, 4 male children, and 5 female children have lost their lives. Postmortem has been done for 30 out of 39 deceased, and bodies have been handed over to the families. The remaining postmortems are going on. 26 injured patients were treated in the OPD and were discharged. 67 injured have been admitted to the IPD and are undergoing treatment. 2 patients are critical. All others are stable. One of the patients is being shifted to Madurai Medical College and Hospital for further treatment..."

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran, along with former governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, visits Karur Government Medical College Hospital following the Karur stampede.

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "The political party which is concerned should take responsibility for crowd control."

Mounds of shoes and chappals, crushed water bottles, torn party flags, pieces of clothes, broken poles, shreds of paper sprayed from party poppers and striking garbage of sorts. As early morning walkers and people who ventured out to buy milk and essentials crossed the venue of the mega rally --an arterial road-- addressed by TVK chief Vijay, they could not make sense of what had happened on the previous night. Several people, who went to sleep early or did not listen to news were shocked that as many as 38 people were killed and dozens injured. While some videographers were filming the spot of the stampede, now barricaded by 'Police-Do Not Cross' kind of lengthy tapes and blocked to public, groups of elderly men enquired with photo-journalists present there in disbelief about the stampede. While a TVK flag still flutters atop a highrise pole at the spot and oversized-speaker boxes and mega lights lying unattended amid a huge pile of torn party publicity material like posters, TVK workers and office-bearers do not wish to say anything about what went wrong in their plan. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran said, "Today we met the families of those who died and those who are injured and admitted to the hospital. No such incidents should happen in future. The Supreme Court sitting bench should take up this issue today itself. We don't trust the committee formed by the Tamil Nadu Government."

After meeting the families of the victims of the Karur stampede, former Tamil Nadu Governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan said, "It's very unfortunate. We are praying for everyone's wellness. We will support the families. Instead of making it sensational, we will make it sensible."

DMK Spokesperson Saravanan said, "I cannot imagine the pain of the families. Who is responsible for this? It's TVK and its organisers who are responsible. From day one, they were not willing to listen to the conditions imposed by the Police. They wilfully violated them (the conditions). Mr Vijay said he will see."

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin visits the Government Medical College Hospital; interacts with the family members of those who lost their loved ones in the incident at actor-politician Vijay's rally on Saturday.

Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran reaches the Government Medical College and Hospital, where those injured in the Karur stampede are undergoing treatment, and the bodies of victims are being handed over to their family members after the postmortem.   

Deputy CM and DMK leader Udayanidhi Stalin reaches the mortuary of the Government Medical College and Hospital to meet the kin of those deceased in the stampede that took place in Karur. 39 people have lost their lives in the stampede which took place during the political rally of TVK chief and actor Vijay, yesterday.

The bodies of 38 people who died due to stampede at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's rally in Karur on September 27, have been identified and currently efforts were on to hand over their mortal remains to their relatives, Dindigul district collector S Saravanan has said on Sunday. The identify of a woman was yet to be established, he said.

Families grieve the loss of their family members outside the government hospital in Karur, where the bodies of those who lost their lives in the Karur stampede have been brought. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has resulted in at least 39 fatalities, including 17 women and 9 children. Over 80 people are injured, with many receiving treatment at hospitals in Karur and nearby Trichy.

The mortal remains of victims from the stampede at actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur were sent to their native places from Karur government hospital. As per ADGP Davidson Devasirvatham, 39 people have died in the incident. Over 40 are injured and undergoing treatment, with one reported to be in serious condition.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami met the families of the victims and paid his last respects to those who lost their lives in the Karur stampede. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has resulted in at least 39 fatalities, including 17 women and 9 children. Over 80 people are injured, with many receiving treatment at hospitals in Karur and nearby Trichy.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran expressed deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who have lost their lives in the Karur stampede. He also urged the state government to provide proper medical care to the injured.

Deputy CM and DMK leader Udayanidhi Stalin heads to Karur Government Medical College and Hospital, where those injured in the Karur stampede are undergoing treatment, and the bodies of victims are being handed over to their family members after the postmortem.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami reaches Government Medical College and Hospital, where those injured in the Karur stampede are undergoing treatment, and the bodies of victims are being handed over to their family members after the postmortem. 39 people have lost their lives in the stampede which took place during the political rally of TVK chief and actor Vijay.

On the Karur Stamepede, Suganthy Rajakumari, Director of Medical Education (DME) and Research, said, "Total number of dead bodies we received is 39. The patient number was 52. Only 2 patients are critical and on a ventilator... Before noon, we will finish all postmortems and hand over the bodies to the family members. Accommodation, food and other things have been arranged by the government..."

BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan said, "I am leaving for Karur with sorrow to support the families. We will extend help. Union Home Ministry has inquired about the assistance and the Prime Minister has conveyed his pain and message to the people of Tamil Nadu."

Morning visuals show the site being littered with scattered slippers, trampled TVK flags, and abandoned personal belongings.

Visuals from the Government Medical College and Hospital, where the bodies of victims of the Karur stampede incident are being handed over to their family members after the postmortem. As per CM MK Stalin, so far, 39 people have lost their lives in the stampede incident during a rally of TVK chief and actor Vijay.

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary, P Senthil Kumar said, "A total of 95 people have been admitted to the hospital. Fifty-one are admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital. Except for one, the others are stable. Specialised doctors are looking after them. The remaining 44 are admitted to the private hospitals. 39 people have lost their lives..."

Tamil Nadu DGP G Venkataraman said on Sunday said that the crowd swelled due to the delayed arrival of the actor-politician to the venue and they lacked sufficient food and water during the waiting hours under the hot sun. He further said there was a crowd surge after the official Twitter handle of Vijay's TVK party mentioned that he would arrive at the meeting venue by 12 noon.

"Permission (for the meeting) was sought for between 3 pm-10 pm. The TVK Twitter account said he will come at 12 and the crowd started coming in from 11 AM. He came at 7.40 PM. The people lacked sufficient food water under the hot sun. Our intention is not to blame anyone, but we are just stating the facts," the Head of Police Force added.

Further, Vijay was accorded welcome at one point and a big crowd followed him and he was ushered in safely to the venue by the police. "He also lauded the police...the crowd kept swelling," he said. While the organisers put the expected number at 10,000, about 27,000 people turned up to have a glimpse of the actor, Venkataraman said. He indicated police protection was given anticipating about 20,000. 

Asked if there were "only 500" police personnel on bandobast duty, he said the meeting venue was a public road and more police cover would have meant people would not have sufficient space.

Director General of Police (DGP) in charge of Tamil Nadu, G Venkatraman, noted that earlier rallies of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK had "smaller crowds", but this time the turnout was "far higher" than expected a day. He said that the "reality" is that the crowd had already been "waiting for hours without sufficient food and water", as Vijay arrived few hours late at the venue.

"The permission for the meeting was given for 3 pm to 10 pm, but crowds started assembling as early as 11 am. By the time Vijay arrived at 7:40 pm., the crowd had already been waiting for hours without sufficient food and water. That is the reality. Vijay himself appreciated the police for their role but stressed that party cadres must take responsibility for crowd management. It does not mean the police should deploy numbers equal to the entire crowd of 27,000. The reasons behind the tragic incident will be revealed only after the inquiry. A one-person commission has already been established. Until then, I cannot comment further on it," DGP told reporters.

Following the incident, we reviewed the steps that the police should take...Earlier rallies of TVK had smaller crowds, but this time the turnout was far higher than expected. Though organisers had requested a large ground in Karur, anticipating about 10,000 people, nearly 27,000 gathered. At the campaign venue where Vijay was to address the public, 500-plus police personnel were on duty," the DGP said.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday condoled the loss of many precious lives in a rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu. As many as 39 people were killed in the tragedy. In a post shared on X, Reddy said, "Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic stampede in #Karur that led to loss of many precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."

Union Minister L Murugan on Sunday said that news coming from Karur is deeply worrying, and he has been in touch with the District Collector, instructing BJP leaders to provide all possible assistance. Speaking to the reporters, Murugan said, "The news coming from Karur is deeply worrying. We must stand with the affected families. I have been in touch with the District Collector and have instructed BJP leaders to extend all possible help."

Karur district collector's office started helpline numbers to assist family members of people affected in the stampede.

• WhatsApp No.: 70108 06322
• Landline No.: 04324 - 256306

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condoling the deaths, said: "The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. 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."

"Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah wrote on X.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed anguish over the tragic loss of lives in the incident and extended her deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. "Anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives in a stampede-like unfortunate incident in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured," said the President.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday spoke with Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin to take stock of the situation following a stampede in Karur and assured them of all possible central assistance to deal with the situation. The Union home ministry also sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the incident.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday condoled the deaths and injuries in a stampede in Tamil Nadu, saying the incident has caused "unspeakable pain". At least 36 people, including children and women, died in a stampede-like situation in actor-politician Vijay's heavily crowded rally at Karur. In a post on X, Radhakrishnan said the tragedy has caused unspeakable pain. "I extend my deepest condolences to the grieving parents who have lost their loved ones, to their relatives, and to the people of Tamil Nadu in this moment of inconsolable sorrow," he said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede at a political rally in Karur in Tamil Nadu and urged Congress workers to provide assistance to the victims and their families. Thirty-six people have died in the stampede at actor-politician Vijay's rally at Karur. "Deeply distressed by the unfortunate and tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which claimed the lives of several innocent people. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We pray for the swift recovery of the injured," Kharge said in a post on X.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede at a political rally in Karur in Tamil Nadu. Thirty-six people died in the stampede at actor-politician Vijay's rally at Karur. "Received the tragic news of people dying in a stampede during a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. May Marang Buru grant peace to the souls of the departed and strength to the grieving families to bear this painful moment. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the stampede," Soren posted on X.

Lt Governor of Puducherry K Kailashnathan on Saturday expressed shock and grief over the stampede during a rally of actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu that left at least 36 people dead. In a message on the stampede, the LG extended profound grief and condolences to those who lost their kin in the tragedy. "I am deeply shocked and grieved over the death of people in an unexpected manner in the stampede at the rally in Karur in Tamil Nadu today," he said.

According to officials, the stampede broke out around 7.30 pm, just as Vijay was addressing his supporters who had gathered at the venue in Karur, about 400 km from Chennai, in huge numbers since the afternoon. They had been waiting for hours to get a glimpse of the TVK leader, also a top movie star. Vijay, who was addressing the massive gathering from atop his campaign vehicle, halted his speech mid-way when many workers raised an alarm after noticing that people were fainting and falling.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday expressed grief over the death of 39 people, including eight children, in a stampede at actor-politician Vijay's rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur. In a post on X, Adityanath said, "Deeply anguished to hear about the tragic accident in Karur, Tamil Nadu. This saddening incident has snatched away precious lives. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May Prabhu Shri Ram give them strength and peace to the departed souls. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Om Shanti!"

Family members of those who lost their lives in the stampede that took place during TVK chief Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. 

On the Karur stampede, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Law and Order, S Davidson Devasirvatham said, "...We will have to get the preliminary investigation done. Thirty-nine people have lost their lives. A case has been registered..."

Visuals from the Government Medical College and Hospital, where the bodies of victims of the Karur stampede incident are being handed over to their family members after the postmortem. As per CM MK Stalin, so far, 39 people have lost their lives in the stampede incident during a public event of TVK chief and actor Vijay on Saturday.

Visuals from the spot where a stampede occurred on Saturday, during a public event of TVK chief and actor Vijay. As per CM MK Stalin, so far, 39 people have lost their lives in the incident.

The bodies of victims of the Karur stampede incident handed over to their family members after the postmortem. As per CM MK Stalin, so far, 39 people have lost their lives in the stampede incident during a public event of TVK chief and actor Vijay.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also announced the formation of a one-member Commission of Inquiry, headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, to investigate the incident and submit a report to the government. "The truth will come out through the inquiry commission. I do not wish to say anything with a political motive. Once the truth is revealed through the inquiry commission, strict action will definitely be taken," he said.

On the Karur stampede incident, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said, "So far, 39 people have died. In the history of our state, never has such a large number of people lost their lives in a program organised by a political party, and such a tragedy should never happen in the future either. Currently, 51 people are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. With a heavy heart, I pay homage to those who have lost their lives. A compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased. A compensation of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to those who were injured. I have ordered the formation of an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge."

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the Karur stampede incident. He also meets the families of victims.

Eyewitnesses said the trouble began around 7.45 pm when large sections of the crowd, eager to catch a glimpse of the actor, surged towards the stage barricades. In the rush, several people fainted, including children who became separated from their families. Many were trampled upon as police and volunteers struggled to control the situation. Visuals from the rally showed Vijay pausing his speech after noticing people collapsing in the crowd. In one clip, he was seen handing out water bottles to those who had fainted and calling out for a missing child. Despite these efforts, the chaos spiralled out of control as the crowd swelled.

Overcrowding is being cited as the primary reason for the stampede that broke out at TVK chief Vijay's rally  in Tamil Nadu's Karur on Saturday evening. However, the authorities have ordered a probe into the incident. The event, organised by Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), drew an overwhelming turnout far beyond expectations.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin visits the Government Medical College and Hospital and meets those injured in the stampede incident at actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur on Saturday.

According to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, so far, 39 people have lost their lives in the stampede incident during a TVK chief and actor Vijay's rally in Karur, about 400 km away from Chennai, on Saturday.