A tragic stampede at a political rally in southern India has left at least 36 people dead, including children, officials confirmed on Saturday. The incident occurred in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, where tens of thousands had gathered for a campaign event hosted by popular actor-turned-politician Vijay.
Local media reported that the rally was delayed by several hours, leaving the crowd packed tightly in the venue. Television footage showed people fainting in the oppressive conditions before panic escalated into a deadly crush.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian revealed that the victims included at least 16 women, nine men, and six children. More than 50 others were hospitalized with injuries. State officials confirmed that extra medical teams were dispatched from nearby districts to handle the surge of patients.
Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed grief over the tragedy, stating that families of the deceased would receive compensation of one million rupees ($11,300). He also announced that an official inquiry had been launched to determine how the event spiraled into chaos.
Speaking outside a local hospital, politician Senthil Balaji described the scale of the loss as devastating. “The situation was overwhelming, and we are doing everything to support the victims’ families,” he said.
Vijay, who commands a massive fan following in Tamil Nadu, issued a heartfelt statement online. “My heart is broken,” he wrote, describing his pain as “unbearable and indescribable.” He extended condolences to grieving families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called the incident “deeply saddening” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Stampedes and crowd crushes remain a recurring tragedy in India, where mass gatherings at political rallies, religious festivals, and sporting events often overwhelm safety measures. Similar incidents earlier this year claimed lives at the Kumbh Mela Hindu festival and outside a cricket stadium.
As investigations unfold, questions are being raised about event management and crowd control at large political gatherings in the country.
