A tragic stampede at a political rally in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, including eight children, and left more than 40 injured. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 27, 2025, during a rally for Vijay, a popular actor and politician in Karur district.
The stampede was reportedly triggered when a section of the crowd surged towards the stage barricades, eager to get a glimpse of Vijay, who was addressing the audience from atop his campaign vehicle. Some supporters had climbed a tree to get a better view, and when the branches gave way, they fell onto the tightly packed crowd below, triggering panic. Tens of thousands of people had gathered at the political rally, and Vijay's late arrival may have contributed to the build-up of the crowd. According to the Press Trust of India, at least 30 people fainted while Vijay was addressing the rally, and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Vijay paused his speech mid-way after workers raised the alarm, noticing people fainting and falling. Videos from local media showed Vijay throwing water bottles to fainting supporters and calling for police help as the crowd became uncontrollable.
Ma Subramanian, the health minister for Tamil Nadu, stated that the victims were dead upon arrival at the hospital. The injured are reported to be in stable condition.
Vijay, a prominent figure in Tamil cinema for three decades, launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024. The party has been critical of both the state ruling party DMK and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Vijay's rallies have been drawing large crowds, and this isn't the first time safety concerns have been raised. Following the first meeting of his political party in October of the previous year, there were reports of at least six deaths. Despite police restrictions, the scale of public turnout has overwhelmed local infrastructure.
Following the tragedy, Vijay expressed his sorrow on X, stating his "heart is shattered" and extending condolences to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his condolences and support to the bereaved families. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each victim. Chief Minister M K Stalin has expressed shock and is overseeing relief efforts, with a one-person commission of inquiry headed by Retired High Court Justice Mrs Aruna Jagadeesan formed to investigate the incident.
Deadly stampedes are unfortunately common in India during large gatherings. In January of this year, at least 30 people died during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival. In July of the previous year, 121 people were killed at a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh.
