At least 36 people, including children and women, were killed in a stampede at a campaign rally for actor-turned-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed the toll in a statement, describing himself as “deeply saddened and pained” by the scale of the tragedy.
Officials said 58 people were injured and rushed to hospitals as crowds surged uncontrollably during the rally in Karur on Saturday evening. Vijay, a 51-year-old film icon known by one name, halted his speech as panic swept the audience, later saying his “heart is shattered.”
He expressed condolences to the families of the dead, calling them “my dear brothers and sisters” and pledging support in their grief. Reports said the stampede began when eager supporters pressed against stage barricades, collapsing barriers and unleashing a deadly wave of chaos.
Stalin ordered a commission led by a retired judge to investigate the incident and announced one million rupees compensation per victim’s family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the event “deeply saddening,” offering sympathy to families of the dead and strength for those still suffering.
The calamity highlights persistent dangers at India’s mass gatherings, where crowd control failures and inadequate safety measures have repeatedly proved disastrous. In January, a stampede at the Kumbh Mela religious fair killed 30 people, while July last year saw 121 crushed in Uttar Pradesh.
Just months ago in June, 11 cricket fans died in Bengaluru as celebrations for a championship title spiralled into deadly disorder. Such tragedies reflect both India’s fervent public spirit and the fragility of safety systems when passion overwhelms planning and preparedness. The Tamil Nadu disaster now joins a grim pattern, its victims another reminder that unchecked crowds can turn devotion into devastation.
