A devastating stampede at a political rally in southern India on Saturday resulted in the deaths of dozens of people and left over 40 injured. The tragedy occurred when a massive crowd surged towards the stage where a renowned actor and aspiring politician was delivering a speech, according to official reports.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed via social media that at least 36 individuals lost their lives, and 45 others were hospitalized in Karur, Tamil Nadu, where the incident unfolded. Among the deceased were eight children. The state’s health minister, Ma Subramanian, indicated to local media that the number of fatalities is still expected to climb.
The stampede began as Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, widely known by his professional name, Vijay, addressed the gathering from a makeshift stage atop a bus.
Mr. Chandrasekhar, 51, has long been celebrated as one of Tamil Nadu’s most successful actors, with a string of major commercial blockbusters to his name. In 2024, he transitioned from acting to politics, founding his own political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Footage from the rally shared on social media captured a poignant moment: the actor paused his speech upon noticing ambulances struggling to navigate through the dense crowd, urging his fans to clear a path.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, conveyed his deep sorrow and condolences to the affected families, describing the event as “deeply saddening.” Chief Minister Stalin also appealed to the public for their cooperation with medical personnel and law enforcement.
In a personal statement, Mr. Chandrasekhar shared his profound grief, stating: “My heart is shattered. The sorrow I am feeling is indescribable.”
He extended his sympathies to all impacted and expressed hope for the swift recovery of those who sustained injuries.
Anupreeta Das contributed to this report.