In his first response following the devastating stampede at his rally in Karur, which claimed at least 36 lives, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay said he is in ‘unbearable pain’. “My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express,” he said, adding, “I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital.”
TVK Chief Vijay tweets, “My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift… pic.twitter.com/hTc5iGBANU
— IANS (@ians_india) September 27, 2025
At least thirty-six people, including eight children, sixteen women, died following a stampede-like situation at a heavily crowded rally held by actor-turned-politician and TVK chief Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday evening, confirmed Tamil Nadu CMO adding that the CM MK Stalin will visit Karur tonight to meet the families of the victims, to offer condolences, and also visit those receiving treatment in hospitals.
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“On receiving the heartbreaking news that 36 people, including 8 children and 16 women, lost their lives in the crowd crush at the political campaign meeting of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam in Karur today, CM was deeply shocked and pained. CM has directed that all those admitted to hospitals for treatment must receive the best possible medical care. To ensure this, CM has deputed the Minister for School Education and the Minister for Health and Family Welfare to Karur immediately,” said Tamil Nadu CMO.
“Additionally, the District Collectors of Trichy, Salem, and Dindigul have been sent to Karur with medical teams to assist. CM has also ordered that Rs 10 lakh each be given from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the families of the deceased. Rs 1 lakh each be given to those undergoing intensive medical treatment in hospitals. Furthermore, to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a report to the government, a one-member Commission of Inquiry under retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will be immediately constituted,” added Tamil Nadu CMO.
Earlier, former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji informed, “Till now, 31 people have died in the stampede, and 58 people have been admitted to the hospital. After the stampede incident, the CM immediately enquired and ordered the district collector, SP, and me to rush to the hospital, advising us to call extra doctors and provide proper treatment…Tomorrow, the Chief Minister is going to come here himself. As of now, 46 persons are in a private hospital, and 12 persons are admitted to a government hospital for treatment.”
“Doctors from Namakkal and Selam districts called to Karur for treatment, and they are also on the way. We have advised the private hospital not to charge for the admissions due to the stampede, and we (the government) will take care of it as per the CMs order. District management is giving treatment so that there is no further increase in the death rate,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “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. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.”
President Droupadi Murmu tweeted, “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 the early recovery of those injured.”
Chaotic scenes unfolded at local hospitals as several people who had fainted during the rally were rushed in for treatment. The overwhelming influx of patients led to confusion and distress among both medical staff and onlookers.
Karur, Tamil Nadu: Several injured people were rushed to Karur Medical College and Hospital after a stampede occurred during TVK Chief Vijay’s campaign rally
(Visuals from the hospital) pic.twitter.com/zmQXCD9J74
— IANS (@ians_india) September 27, 2025
As per IANS, during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Chief Vijay’s campaign speech, over 20 people fainted, and some reportedly lost their lives. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed Karur district secretary and former minister Senthil Balaji to visit the hospital to check on the injured and instructed Health Minister Ma Subramanian to immediately rush to Karur.
#BREAKING: During Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Cheif Vijay’s campaign speech, over 20 people fainted and some reportedly lost their lives
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed Karur district secretary and former minister Senthil Balaji to visit the hospital to check on… pic.twitter.com/CXFHAZxNJK
— IANS (@ians_india) September 27, 2025
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin tweeted, “Disturbing news is coming from Karur. I have instructed former minister V. Senthil Balaji, minister Ma Subramanian, and the district collector to ensure immediate medical attention for the people who fainted in the crowd and have been admitted to the hospital. I have also directed Minister Anbil Mahesh from the nearby Tiruchi district to provide necessary assistance on a war-footing basis. I have spoken with the ADGP to take swift action to restore the situation there. I request full cooperation from the public, doctors, and the police.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin tweets, “Disturbing news is coming from Karur. I have instructed former minister V. Senthil Balaji, minister Ma Subramanian and the district collector to ensure immediate medical attention for the people who fainted in the crowd and have… pic.twitter.com/lvzEWJUakO
— IANS (@ians_india) September 27, 2025
ADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami tweets, “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. On behalf of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, I have instructed former Minister M. R. Vijayabhaskar to personally visit the government hospital and provide assistance to those admitted there.”
He added, “Furthermore, as per my instructions, due to the heavy crowd in the hospital area, AIADMK volunteers have formed a human chain and are coordinating to provide appropriate assistance to those receiving treatment. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to immediately take necessary measures to ensure proper treatment for those admitted to the hospital and to provide appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, “Deeply anguished by the tragic accident at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The loss of innocent lives is truly heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured.”
According to media reports, as tensions rose, police resorted to a baton charge to disperse the large crowds that had gathered near the rally venue and medical facilities to catch a glimpse of the popular actor.
“Deeply pained and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives, including children, during a political rally in Karur. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this time of grief and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” said Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi.
BJP leader K. Annamalai said, “In Karur, the news that approximately forty people, including children, lost their lives due to a stampede at a gathering attended by leader Vijay is deeply shocking and distressing. Many others have been injured and admitted to hospitals. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to ensure proper treatment for all those affected. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.”
“For a political party’s gathering, it is the responsibility of the police to accurately estimate the number of attendees, select an appropriate venue accordingly, and deploy an adequate number of police personnel to ensure the safety of the public attending the event. There are also reports that electricity was disrupted during Mr. Vijay’s gathering. The Tamil Nadu government and the police acting with such negligence are highly condemnable,” he added.
“The DMK government, which deploys the entire district police force to provide security for gatherings organized by DMK members, has made it a habit to fail in providing adequate security arrangements for events held by opposition parties. I strongly urge the DMK government to immediately provide appropriate compensation to the families of those who lost their lives, conduct a thorough investigation into whether this accident occurred due to inadequate security arrangements and the power disruption, and take strict action based on the findings,” he said.
