A devastating stampede unfolded on Saturday at a political rally in southern India, leading to the deaths of dozens and leaving over 40 injured. The tragic incident occurred as thousands of fervent supporters surged towards the stage where a renowned actor-turned-politician was addressing the crowd.
According to G. Venkataraman, the head of police for Tamil Nadu state, who spoke at a news conference on Sunday, the official death toll stands at 38 individuals, comprising 12 men, 16 women, and 10 children. Additionally, 45 people were hospitalized in Karur, the city in Tamil Nadu where the calamity struck, as confirmed by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin via social media.
The stampede began while Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, a popular actor known professionally as Vijay, was speaking from a makeshift stage atop a bus. Mr. Chandrasekhar, 51, boasts a highly successful career in Tamil Nadu’s film industry, starring in numerous blockbuster films. In 2024, he transitioned from acting to politics, establishing his own party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Social media footage from the rally captured the actor momentarily halting his speech to appeal to the crowd, asking them to clear a path for ambulances struggling to navigate through the dense throng.
Police official Mr. Venkataraman disclosed that event organizers had originally requested permission for a rally from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. for an estimated 10,000 attendees. However, the turnout far exceeded expectations, with approximately 27,000 people gathering. Further complicating matters, social media promotions inaccurately advertised Mr. Chandrasekhar’s appearance at noon, despite him not arriving until almost 8 p.m. “People were waiting without water and food for a long time,” Mr. Venkataraman stated, highlighting the challenging conditions.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, writing on X that the event was “deeply saddening.” Chief Minister Stalin also issued a statement on the site urging the public to cooperate with medical professionals and law enforcement.
Mr. Chandrasekhar himself expressed profound grief in a statement, saying: “My heart is shattered. The sorrow I am feeling is indescribable.” He conveyed his heartfelt condolences and wished a swift recovery to all those injured in the unfortunate incident.