Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu Health Secretary, P Senthil Kumar, reported that 39 individuals have died and 95 were injured in a stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur. A tragic stampede during actor-politician Vijay's visit to Tamil Nadu has once again put the spotlight on crowd management at public events. Tamil Nadu's Director General of Police (DGP) has pointed to Vijay's delayed arrival as one of the main reasons behind the swelling crowds and subsequent surge.
He informed reporters that among the 95 injured, all are stable except for one. Kumar stated, "A total of 95 people have been hospitalized. 51 are at the Government Medical College and Hospital, with all but one in stable condition. They are under the care of specialized doctors. The other 44 are in private hospitals. 39 people have died."
The Karur stampede occurred after confusion over actor-turned-politician Vijay’s arrival time at a rally. His party’s official account had announced he would arrive at noon, prompting crowds to gather as early as 11 am. However, Vijay reached only at 7:40 pm, leaving thousands waiting all day in the scorching heat with little food or water.
While organisers had planned for 10,000 attendees, nearly 27,000 turned up, overwhelming security despite 500 police officers deployed. The overcrowding and prolonged wait on a public road created chaos, eventually leading to the deadly stampede.
Earlier, Supreme Court advocate GS Mani filed a complaint requesting an FIR and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe against TV chief Vijay regarding the stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has initiated a one-person commission to investigate the incident that resulted in 39 fatalities. GS Mani accused the organizers and authorities of "gross negligence, lack of safety protocols, overcrowding, and failure to maintain minimum safety standards."