Tamil Nadu Stampede: 36 dead during TVK chief Vijay's rally in Karur; PM Modi, CM Stalin react | Highlights

A tragic incident was reported in Tamil Nadu's Karur on Saturday night after 36 people, including several children and women, lost their lives following a stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay's rally. Vijay, the founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was addressing the crowd, but was forced to end his speech following the stampede that has also left more than 70 people injured. Click here to read more.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay said on Saturday that his heart was 'shattered' following a stampede during his rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur that claimed more than 35 lives. In his first reaction following the deadly incident, Vijay also paid condolence to those who lost their lives in the stampede, while praying for a quick recovery of the injured. Click here to read more.

"My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital," says TVK chief Vijay.

TN CM has announced Commission of Inquiry to be led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into Vijay rally stampede deaths, reports news agency PTI.

Union Minister JP Nadda says, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic stampede in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May God grant courage and strength to all those impacted by this tragedy."

The death count has increased to 36 in Karur stampede.

"Compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of those who lost their lives in the Karur tragedy. A Commission of Inquiry headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will be constituted to investigate the incident," says Tamil Nadu CMO.

"I will personally visit Karur tonight to meet the families of the victims, to offer my condolences and also visit those receiving treatment in hospitals. On receiving the heartbreaking news that 36 people, including 8 children and 16 women, lost their lives in the crowd crush at the political campaign meeting of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam in Karur today, I was deeply shocked and pained. I have directed that all those admitted to hospitals for treatment must receive the best possible medical care. To ensure this, I have deputed the Minister for School Education and the Minister for Health and Family Welfare to Karur immediately. Additionally, the District Collectors of Trichy, Salem, and Dindigul have been sent to Karur with medical teams to assist," Tamil Nadu CMO quoted MK Stalin as saying. 

At least 31 people were killed and more than 70 others injured in a stampede at a massive public rally led by TVK chief Vijay in Tamil Nadu's Karur on Saturday evening. Overcrowding is being cited as the primary reason, and 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. Click here to read more.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister Stalin, taking stock of the situation after the stampede in Karur, reports news agency PTI.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran says, "The news of more than 30 people losing their lives in the stampede that occurred at a political meeting in Karur is shocking. I have requested the senior leaders of BJP Tamil Nadu to rush to the hospital and provide the necessary assistance to those affected. I have also instructed the BJP district president from Karur district to immediately render the required help."

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "Deeply saddened by the tragic incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, that has taken so many precious lives. My heart goes out to their loved ones, and I wish a swift recovery to all those injured. I urge Congress workers and leaders to extend every possible support to the victims and their families, and to work closely with the authorities in relief and rescue efforts."

At least 31 people were killed and over 40 were injured after a stampede occurred in Tamil Nadu's Karur district during TVK chief Vijay's rally on Saturday, former minister Senthil Balaji said. Overcrowding led to the stampede during the actor-turned-politician's rally as lakhs of people gathered to attend a roadshow by Vijay. Click here to read more.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "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."

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla says, "Heartrending and distressing news is coming from Karur in Tamil Nadu, where scores of people are feared dead, women and children included, in TVK chief and actor Vijay's rally. This is a very shocking incident, but the way things are going on in Tamil Nadu, one can say that this is not just an incident of stampede, it is a man-made criminal disaster. For this both DMK government, which should have made the proper arrangements and did not clearly, is also responsible, but also Mr Vijay and his party is responsible. Both elements are the two sides of the same coin, they don't value people, they only value their own popularity and 'Parivar' and therefore people are treated in this way. These innocent, important lives have been lost, who will pay for them? Mr Stalin, is your government not responsible? What is the police doing? What were the arrangements made?"

The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on stampede at Karur, reports news agency PTI.

President Droupadi Murmu has also expressed her grief over the stampede in Tamil Nadu's Karur. She said: "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."

"The news of the loss of innocent lives in the incident that occurred in Karur shakes the heart and causes immense grief. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Comfort to those who were injured," posts actor Rajinikanth on X. 

TVK chief and actor Vijay leaves from Trichy airport.

So far, 31 people have lost their lives in the Karur stampede. Meanwhile, 70 others were also injured in the incident.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin arrives to hold urgent meeting over stampede-like incident that happened in Karur.

Union Minister L Murugan says, "The information coming from Karur is very worrying. We should support the affected families."

DMK leader V Senthil Balaji said that district officials are providing assistance to those in need. "Doctors from Namakkal and Selam districts called to Karur for treatment, and they are also on the way. We have advised the private hospital not to charge for the admissions due to the stampede, and we (the government) will take care of it as per the CMs order. District management is giving treatment so that there is no further increase in the death rate," he said, as reported by ANI. 

Reacting to the Karur stampede, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi said: "Deeply pained and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives, including children, during a political rally in Karur. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this time of grief and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured."

Chief Minister MK Stalin has arrived at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and has called an emergency meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP, and senior officials regarding the Karur stampede.

DMK leader V Senthil Balaji has arrived at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur. 

"Till now, 31 people have died in the stampede and 58 people have been admitted to the hospital. After the stampede incident, the CM immediately enquired and ordered the district collector, SP, and me to rush to the hospital, advising us to call extra doctors and provide proper treatment... Tomorrow, the Chief Minister is going to come here himself. As of now, 46 persons are in private hospital, and 12 persons are admitted in a government hospital for treatment," DMK leader V Senthil Balaji said, as reported by news agency ANI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also expressed grief over the stampede in Karur. He posted on X: "Deeply anguished by the tragic accident at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The loss of innocent lives is truly heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured."

Visual from Karur hospital after an injured was brought there.  

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami has urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide immediate assistance to those in need. "The news that more than 29 people lost their lives and several others fainted and are receiving treatment in the hospital due to the crowd chaos during the campaign meeting of the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam party held in Karur, where its leader Vijay spoke, is both shocking and distressing. I express my deepest condolences and regret to the families of those who lost their lives," he posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the incident in Tamil Nadu's Karur. "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," he posted on X.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will likely visit Karur on Sunday to take a stock of the situation.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has taken stock of the situation and directed officials to rush to the spot and provide immediate assistance to those in need. "The news coming from Karur is worrying. I have asked for immediate medical treatment to the public who were admitted to hospital after they fainted due to the stampede," he posted on X.

31 people, including several children, died after a stampede during TVK chief Vijay's rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur on Saturday.