Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed profound grief and sorrow following a stampede at a political rally in Karur on September 27, 2025, which resulted in a significant loss of life. The tragic incident occurred during a public event organized by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay.
Stalin, visibly moved by the scale of the tragedy, visited the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur to meet with and console those injured in the stampede. Reflecting on the event, he described it as "horrific" and beyond words. "I am standing here with deep sorrow. I am unable to describe the horrific accident that took place in Karur," the Chief Minister stated.
In the wake of the stampede, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Additionally, those who sustained injuries and are undergoing intensive medical treatment in hospitals will receive ₹1 lakh each. Stalin affirmed that the government would bear the full medical expenses for all the injured.
To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, Chief Minister Stalin has ordered the formation of a Commission of Inquiry. The commission will be headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. The inquiry will focus on crowd management, event safety measures, and any lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy. Justice Jagadeesan's prior experience includes heading the commission that investigated the 2018 police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters in Thoothukudi.
In addition to the financial relief and inquiry commission, the government has mobilized resources to provide immediate assistance to the victims and their families. Health Minister Ma Subramanian and other top officials were dispatched to Karur to coordinate rescue and treatment efforts. Medical teams from nearby districts were also mobilized, and special intensive care arrangements were made for the critically injured. District Collectors from Tiruchirapalli, Salem, and Dindigul were sent to Karur with emergency response teams.
Expressing his condolences, Stalin stated, "This is an unprecedented tragedy. My deepest sympathies are with the bereaved families. The government stands by them in this painful moment". He also 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".
Actor Vijay, whose rally was the site of the tragedy, expressed his sorrow, saying his "heart is shattered" and that he is in "unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow". He extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
