A devastating stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India, has resulted in a death toll that has climbed to 39, including nine children. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Karur district during a campaign event for Vijay, a popular actor-turned-politician. Initial reports indicated 36 deaths, but the toll has since risen. In addition to the fatalities, approximately 40 to 51 people sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The rally, attended by tens of thousands of people, was organized in support of Vijay, who recently retired from his acting career in 2024 to establish his own political party, Tamilaga Vetti Kazagam. According to local officials and media reports, the stampede was triggered when some supporters fell while attempting to get closer to Vijay's bus as he addressed the enthusiastic crowd. Witnesses reported that attendees had been waiting for hours in intense heat, and cited insufficient police presence as contributing to the tragedy. Some accounts mentioned people falling from a tree branch onto the crowd, further exacerbating the chaos.

Vijay expressed his condolences on social media, stating he was heartbroken and felt "unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow". Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the tragedy, calling it "deeply saddening". M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, visited the injured and announced a compensation package of one million rupees (approximately $11,300 or £8,400) for the families of each victim. Stalin also promised a full inquiry into the incident.

The tragedy has drawn attention to the recurring issue of deadly crowd crushes at mass gatherings in India. Such incidents are unfortunately common during political events, religious festivals, and sporting occasions, often attributed to inadequate safety measures. Just earlier this year, a similar incident occurred at the Maha Kumbh festival where at least 30 people died.