Stampede at political protest in India leaves almost forty civilians dead

(MENAFN) At least 39 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a stampede during a political rally led by actor Vijay in Tamil Nadu, India, on Saturday. The tragedy occurred in Karur district during a campaign event for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has ordered a judicial investigation into the incident and announced support for the families of those who died. “So far, 39 people have died, including 13 men, 17 women, 4 boys, and 5 girls – while 51 people, including 26 men and 25 women, are receiving intensive treatment,” Stalin told reporters.

Video footage from the event shows thousands of attendees crowding around a campaign vehicle, with Vijay standing on top addressing the crowd. In the clips, he is seen throwing water bottles to fainting supporters and calling for police assistance.

Authorities reported that emergency response teams were quickly deployed following the stampede, and hospitals in the district are continuing to treat dozens of injured individuals, many in serious condition.

Following the tragedy, Vijay, 51, expressed his sorrow on social media. “I am at a loss for words to express the pain my heart endures. My eyes and mind are clouded with sorrow. The faces of all of you whom I have met keep flashing through my mind,” he wrote.

Vijay, one of India’s leading actors, founded the TVK party in 2024 and has attracted massive crowds to his rallies. With over three decades of stardom in Tamil cinema, his devoted fan base has translated into significant political support. The actor is now preparing for state elections expected in early 2026, with his party seen as a contender against both Chief Minister Stalin’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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