A tragic stampede occurred during a political rally addressed by actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, resulting in at least 39 deaths and over 80 injuries. The incident took place on the evening of September 27, 2025, at Veluswamy Nagar, a locality along the Karur–Erode highway.
Incident Details
The rally, organized by Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), attracted a crowd that reportedly exceeded the approved limit. While permission was granted for 10,000 attendees, eyewitnesses suggest that the crowd size was more than double that number. As Vijay addressed the gathering, a surge of people rushed forward to catch a glimpse of the leader, leading to a stampede-like situation. Many attendees, including children and women, fainted and fell, while others were trampled upon.
Casualties and Injuries
The stampede resulted in the deaths of 39 individuals, including 10 children and 17 women. Additionally, over 80 people sustained injuries ranging from fractures to suffocation and were admitted to hospitals in Karur and nearby districts.
Official Responses
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep concern over the incident and announced compensation of ₹1 million (approximately $11,280) for each victim’s family. A judicial commission led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed to investigate the cause of the stampede. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences and prayers for the victims.
Investigations and Legal Actions
Following the incident, police filed a criminal case against senior TVK leaders, including Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and V.P. Mathiyalagan, for their roles in the event. Additionally, N Anand, TVK’s general secretary and a close aide of Vijay, has been named in the case. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the stampede and to assess the adequacy of crowd management measures.
Public Reaction
In response to the tragedy, the Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu (Federation of Traders’ Association) announced a complete shutdown across Karur district on September 28, 2025. The association expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for improved safety measures at public gatherings.
The Karur stampede serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective crowd management and safety protocols during large public events. As investigations continue, authorities are urged to implement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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