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CHENNAI: The death toll in the stampede at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay's rally in Karur, about 400 km away from Chennai, rose to 40 on Sunday. At least 16 women and 10 kids were among those who suffocated to death at the actor-politician's heavily-crowded rally.
Around 95 people who suffered injuries are admitted to the Karur Government Hospital. They are now stable, except for one, said Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P Senthil Kumar.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a Commission of Inquiry to be led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into the incident. He reached Karur by midnight.
Hours after the tragedy, actor-politician Vijay expressed profound grief, extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. “My heart is shattered," Vijay wrote on X.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has sought a report on the stampede from the Tamil Nadu government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Stalin to take stock of the situation post-stampede at Karur and assured all possible central help.
Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed that reports came out from Karur was concerning and directed ministers to carry out relief measures.
Read more: https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/tvk-stampede-cm-stalin-to-visit-karur-on-sunday-847923
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the tragic incident at the TVK president and actor Vijay’s rally in Karur, describing it as deeply saddening.
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for strength and courage for them during this difficult time and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured,” he said.
Chief minister MK Stalin rushed to the State Secretariat to discuss the situation in Karur and measures to be taken to carry out relief and rescue works. Chief secretary N Muruganantham and other officials are present in the meeting
Actor Vijay departed from Tiruchy Airport en route to Chennai. He declined to speak to reporters regarding the incident.
Chief Minister Stalin will depart Chennai for Tiruchy on Sunday (September 28), at around 7:30 am by private aircraft. From there, he will travel to Karur either by road or by helicopter.
In a statement released by Raj Bhavan, Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi expressed grief over the tragic incident at the TVK president and actor Vijay’s rally in Karur, stating he is “deeply pained and anguished by the loss of innocent lives, including children.”
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured, urging authorities to ensure safety at public gatherings.
"Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured," tweets Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
தமிழ்நாட்டின் கரூரில் ஏற்பட்ட கூட்ட நெரிசலில் உயிரிழந்த துயர சம்பவத்தால் ஆழ்ந்த வேதனை அடைகிறேன். இறந்தவர்களின் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு எனது மனமார்ந்த இரங்கலைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன். இந்த துயரத்தைத் தாங்கும் வலிமையையும், காயமடைந்தவர்கள் விரைவில் குணமடையவும் எல்லாம் வல்ல இறைவனைப்…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 27, 2025
"The news that more than 29 people lost their lives and several others fainted and are receiving treatment in the hospital due to the crowd chaos during the campaign meeting of the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam party held in Karur, where its leader Vijay spoke, is both shocking and distressing. I express my deepest condolences and regret to the families of those who lost their lives," tweets Edappadi K Palaniswami.
Chief Minister MK Stalin is leaving for Karur tonight
In a tweet, the Chief Minister MK Stalin instructed former Minister V Senthilbalaji, Minister Ma Subramanian, and the District Collector to ensure that all necessary medical treatment is provided promptly to those affected.
Minister Anbil Mahesh, representing the nearby Tiruchy district, has also been directed to provide assistance on a war-footing basis. The Chief Minister has coordinated with the ADGP to take swift measures to restore normalcy in the area.
CM Stalin further appealed to the public, medical personnel, and the police to cooperate fully in managing the situation.
Actor Rajinikanth expressed deep sorrow over the Karur tragedy, calling it a heart-wrenching incident. In a post on X, he stated, “The news of the loss of innocent lives in Karur is deeply painful and heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and my prayers for the recovery of the injured.”
State Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Saturday said that the death toll in the Karur stampede tragedy has risen to 33, including 6 children, 17 women, and 10 men.
A total of 33 bodies were brought dead to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Karur. Over 50 injured persons are currently undergoing treatment, while several others have been shifted to private hospitals. Health authorities are verifying details regarding those admitted to private facilities.
“The toll may rise further as several patients remain in critical condition. We are extending the best possible medical care to save lives,” the Minister said.
Union home ministry seeks report from Tamil Nadu govt on stampede in Karur: Sources
CM Stalin to constitute a single member commission under retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate Karur stampede.
Families of those who lost their lives will receive Rs 10 lakh each from the CM Relief Fund, while those undergoing treatment for injuries will be provided Rs 1 lakh each.
JP Nadda tweets, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic stampede in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May God grant courage and strength to all those impacted by this tragedy."
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic stampede in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May God grant courage and strength to all those impacted by this tragedy.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 27, 2025
In a tweet, President Droupadi Murmu said; "Anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives in a stampede-like unfortunate incident in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured.
Anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives in a stampede-like unfortunate incident in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 27, 2025
BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran will visit Karur on Sunday evening.
Around 4 pm, he is scheduled to meet and console the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede, as well as visit the injured persons undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Senthil Balaji met and consoled those admitted to Karur Government Hospital.
Amit Shah speaks to TN Governor Ravi, CM Stalin to take stock of situation post-stampede at Karur; assures all possible central help.
“The tragic incident that occurred today during a political rally in Karur is deeply shocking and saddening. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. In this difficult time, I pray to the Almighty to grant them the strength to endure this grief, and I wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” tweets CP Radhakrishnan.
இன்று கரூரில் ஒரு அரசியல் பேரணியின் போது நிகழ்ந்த துயரமான சம்பவம் மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியையும், வருத்தத்தையும் அளிக்கிறது. இந்த நிகழ்வில், தங்கள் அன்பிற்குரியவர்களை இழந்தவர்களின் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்களைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன். இந்தக் கடினமான காலகட்டத்தில் அவர்கள்…
— CP Radhakrishnan (@CPR_VP) September 27, 2025
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External Affairs Minister of India, S Jaishankar, expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which claimed several lives and left many injured.
In a tweet, he stated, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My deepest condolences are with the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
In his tweet, the Union Minister L Murugan expressed his deep condolences to the families of the deceased.
He stated, "Disturbing reports are coming from Karur district that over 33 people, including children, lost their lives in a crowd stampede during a campaign rally conducted by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam leader Mr. Vijay. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.
I urge the Tamil Nadu government to provide appropriate compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident and to ensure high-quality treatment for those undergoing medical care."
The death toll has risen to 36, including 8 children, 16 women, and 12 men.
No casualties have been reported from private hospitals, confirmed State Health Minister Ma Subramanian.
BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran will visit Karur on Sunday morning
As a mark of respect to the victims of the tragic incident, the party has announced the cancellation of all its scheduled events across Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
"Deeply anguished to hear about the tragic accident in Karur, Tamil Nadu. This saddening incident has snatched away precious lives.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May Prabhu Shri Ram give them strength and peace to the departed souls. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," tweets Yogi Adityanath.
Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crowd stampede during Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam leader Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur.
He tweeted, “The Karur incident is tragic
The crowd stampede that occurred during the campaign of actor and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Mr. Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is truly unfortunate. According to initial reports, 31 people have lost their lives in this incident, which is shocking. It is particularly heartbreaking to learn that six of the deceased were children. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who passed away. I humbly urge the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.”
Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi breaks down after visiting the families in the Government Medical College and Hospital, Karur.
Hours after the heart-wrenching tragedy in Karur, where 36 lives were lost, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay on Saturday expressed profound grief, saying he was overwhelmed by indescribable pain and sorrow.“My heart is shattered. I am consumed by unbearable grief and anguish beyond words. I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the families of my beloved brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of all those undergoing treatment in hospitals,” Vijay said in a social media post.
Traders plan to down shutters in Karur condoling the unfortunate incident
Actor Vishal expressed deep grief over the tragic stampede. In a tweet, he said, “Utter nonsense. Hearing that more than 30 people including children losing their lives over a stampede in actor/politician Vijay’s rally is heartwrenching and totally not right. My heart goes out to every one of those innocent victims and my deepest condolences to every one of them & their respective families. May their souls rest in peace.”
He also urged the TVK party to provide compensation to the families of the deceased, calling it the least that could be done. Vishal further stressed the need for adequate safety arrangements in all future political rallies to prevent such tragedies.
"Received the tragic news of people dying in a stampede during a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. May Marang Buru grant peace to the souls of the departed and strength to the grieving families to bear this painful moment. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the stampede," Soren posted on X.
The tragic stampede at TVK president Vijay’s rally in Karur has claimed at least 38 lives, including those of women and kids.
Swipe to read how the stampede situation unfolded, what Vijay said, and how the state and Central government responded.
Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P Senthil Kumar said that out of the total deceased, 28 were from Karur, 2 each from Erode, Tiruppur, and Dindigul, and 1 from Salem, while 4 are yet to be identified.
Speaking to reporters, he said that out of 95 injured people, all are stable except one. He said, "A total of 95 people have been admitted to the hospital. 51 are admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital. Except for one, the others are stable. Specialised doctors are looking after them. The remaining 44 are admitted to the private hospitals. 39 people have lost their lives."
State police chief (in-charge) DGP G Venkataraman had rushed to the spot to oversee the efforts. In a late-night press conference, he said crowds began swelling from 11 am itself. "In their permission letter, they (TVK) had said they expected a crowd of about 10,000. There were tweets from the party handle that Vijay was expected to arrive by 12, so crowds began to gather. He reached at 7.40 pm. I am not blaming anyone, but the facts are that there were limited facilities for water and other necessities," Venkataraman said at the police headquarters. He added that the location allocated for Vijay’s speech is a pre-determined spot used by all political parties.
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami arrived in Karur and consoled the families of the deceased
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami slammed the state government for lapses in providing adequate security during the political meeting in Karur. He further alleged that the AIADMK meeting in Karur on Thursday (September 25) also suffered from inadequate security.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi, who returned to Tamil Nadu after cancelling his Dubai trip, visited the Karur Government Hospital. He also met with the families of the deceased and offered his condolences.
A newly engaged couple, soon to be married, were among the 39 victims who lost their lives in the Karur stampede. According to Thanthi TV report, the victims have been identified as Akash and Gokul Shri
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth on Sunday described the tragic stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay’s rally in Karur as “a deeply distressing and unfortunate incident” and urged that such mishaps should never recur.
Read more Here
Speaking to the media in Karur, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin slammed Vijay for his late arrival at the scheduled campaign meeting. He also alleged that it is the duty of TVK officials to control the crowd and that the responsibility lies with them. “The government will take necessary measures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” he added.
TVK chief Vijay held discussions with party officials following the Karur stampede that claimed 39 lives. According to a Thanthi TV report, Vijay met with TVK officials to assess if he could travel to Karur on Sunday (Today) and is reportedly considering temporarily postponing his campaign tour.
A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin to inquire about the devastating stampede in Karur that claimed 39 lives, including nine children, the Governor on Sunday sought a detailed report from the State government, Raj Bhavan sources said.
Read More: 'Here'
According to a Thanthi TV report, five additional paramilitary personnel have been deployed to strengthen security at Vijay’s Neelankarai residence.
Chief Minister MK Stalin should resign and extend Rs 1 crore compensation to the kin of the 39 people who died during TVK president Vijay's campaign rally in Karur on Saturday, said Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran.
Read More 'Here'
Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Sunday announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 2 lakh each to those injured in the devastating stampede that occurred during his rally in Karur on Saturday.
Read More 'Here'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 each for those injured in the Karur stampede.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who is an ally of the ruling DMK, praised chief minister MK Stalin for acting swiftly in the aftermath of Karur stampede.
Read More 'Here'
In the wake of the tragic stampede at Karur that claimed 39 lives during actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay’s rally, the party on Sunday moved the Madras High Court seeking an independent investigation into the incident.
Read More 'Here'
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday blamed police lapses and the inexperience of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the Karur stampede that killed 39 people and injured over 80.
Read More 'Here'
The death toll in the stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay's Karur rally rises to 40.
According to a Thanthi TV report, Kavin, 34, who is undergoing treatment at the hospital, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan expressed grief over the Karur stampede and urged people to control their emotions while attending large gatherings. “It happened earlier in Bengaluru, and now in Karur. Such tragic loss of lives due to crowd crush must not continue,” he added.