KARUR, India (Kashmir English): At least 36 people were killed and more than 50 were injured in a stampede at an election rally held by Tamil actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu’s Karur on Saturday.
Chief minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin said eight children and 16 women were among the 36 who died in the district of Karur in Tamil Nadu during a political rally by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Vijay’s party.
Earlier, awmaker Senthil Balaji told media that 58 people were hospitalised.
Tamil Nadu’s most bankable actor
One of Tamil cinema’s most bankable actors for three decades, Vijay, has drawn massive crowds to his public meetings since launching his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024.
He has targeted both the state ruling party DMK and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
He is campaigning for state elections that are scheduled to be held in early next year.
Videos show thousands of people surrounding a large campaign vehicle on top of which Vijay is seen standing and speaking.
Rally visuals showed Vijay throwing water bottles from the top of the vehicle to fainting supporters and calling for police help when the crowd became uncontrollable.
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.
At least 44 doctors from the nearby districts of Tiruchirappalli and Salem were sent to Karur, according to local media.
This is not the first time the actor-politician’s rallies have faced safety concerns. At least six people were killed following the first meeting of his political party when it was launched in October 2024.
