A deadly stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur district on Saturday, September 27, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 40 people and injuries to over 124. The rally was organized by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a political party recently founded by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The incident has sparked investigations and drawn attention to the confluence of factors that contributed to the tragedy, including Vijay's delayed arrival, the nature of the event as a roadshow, and the timing of the rally with payday for many local workers.
Vijay, a prominent figure in Tamil cinema for three decades, launched TVK in February 2024, marking his entry into politics. The party aims to contest the state elections in early 2026. Karur, where the tragedy occurred, holds significance for Vijay's party. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, TVK garnered a notable vote share, particularly among first-time voters, signaling a potential shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
The scheduled time of arrival for Vijay was between noon and 1 p.m., but he did not reach the venue until 7 p.m.. This delay caused the crowd to swell far beyond the capacity of the venue in Velusamypuram. Individuals had already gathered at the location starting at 11 a.m., creating a festive atmosphere with music. The fact that it was a weekend meant that women and children were also present.
In addition, a large number of workers from textile and mosquito net manufacturing facilities gathered at the location after their shifts were over. According to S. Vijayan, a social worker from Thavittupalayam, the rally's timing coincided with payday for these workers, which increased turnout. Furthermore, the already congested situation was made worse by enthusiastic fans who followed Vijay from Namakkal, where he had previously campaigned. According to a police officer, the influx of cadres and fans who followed the actor's vehicle added to the congestion.
Unlike traditional political rallies, the TVK event in Karur lacked a designated area for Vijay's campaign vehicle to stop. As Vijay's vehicle moved through the crowd, it displaced people on the road, squeezing those on the sides and triggering a commotion. When the crowd spilled into a shed housing a generator that powered floodlights, the power supply was cut off, which caused the first wave of pandemonium. Families were split up as people pushed one another in various directions, which made the situation even more chaotic.
Initial reports stated that 10,000 people were anticipated at the rally, according to a TVK letter requesting police authorization. However, the crowd was significantly larger, with estimates ranging from 25,000 to 60,000 people. This vast disparity between the expected and actual turnout overwhelmed the venue's capacity and available security measures.
The aftermath of the tragedy has seen a flurry of responses. Vijay expressed his heartbreak and pledged support for the victims' families. The Tamil Nadu government announced compensation of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the deceased. Furthermore, Vijay declared a ₹20 lakh aid to each of the deceased's families and ₹2 lakh to those receiving hospital treatment. Political leaders across the country have conveyed their condolences. The Tamil Nadu State Election Commission had planned to conduct elections for various urban and rural local bodies in May, but it is unclear how this tragedy might affect those plans.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with a case filed against senior TVK leaders. Tamil Nadu DGP G Venkataraman noted that attendees had been standing for hours without adequate food and water due to Vijay's late arrival. The BJP has supported calls for a CBI probe into the tragedy, while also criticizing the DMK government for alleged inadequate security arrangements.
The Karur rally stampede serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of crowd management, security measures, and adherence to schedules in large public gatherings. As investigations continue, the incident is expected to have significant repercussions for political rallies and event management practices in Tamil Nadu.
