A massive rally for Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, turned tragic on Saturday when a sudden crowd surge sparked chaos, killing at least 31 people and injuring dozens more. Many of the injured remain in critical condition, turning what started as a lively political event into a heartbreaking disaster.
Health Minister Ma Subramanian shared the grim details: the victims included 16 women, nine men, and six children. Over 40 people are still receiving treatment at hospitals, with several in intensive care, including three kids.
The rally kicked off around 7:20 p.m. at Velusamipuram, drawing thousands of excited supporters eager to hear Vijay’s speech. He tackled local hot-button issues like illegal sand mining and mineral theft in Karur, while slamming the state government and boldly predicting a power shift in just six months. The crowd buzzed with energy at first.
But everything changed in an instant. A power outage plunged the packed venue into darkness, sparking panic. People surged forward in the tight space, leading to a stampede-like crush. Witnesses described a nightmare scene: overcrowding and poor ventilation caused fainting spells, especially among children and elderly women. Desperate parents carried limp kids through the mob, as volunteers and police scrambled to clear paths for ambulances.
Rescue teams faced huge hurdles with blocked exits and the sheer size of the crowd. Karur Superintendent of Police K. Josh Thangiah led efforts to calm the situation and guide emergency vehicles. Ambulances rushed the hurt to Karur Government Medical College Hospital, where staff worked nonstop through the night. Officials called the scene a “war zone” as doctors battled to save lives.
From Chennai, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin kept a close watch and ordered immediate relief and medical aid. Ministers Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and Ma Subramanian hurried to Karur to manage the response, while Additional DGP Davidson Devasirvatham stepped in for security and crowd control. Former Minister V. Senthil Balaji also visited the hospital to check on facilities and the injured.
The state government vows full support for the victims’ families. Stalin plans to head to Karur on Sunday to meet those affected and evaluate relief work.
This Tamil Nadu stampede at Vijay’s rally has sparked tough questions about safety at big political gatherings. Organizers need better crowd management to prevent such tragedies. So far, TVK hasn’t released an official statement on the incident.
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