Tamil Nadu DGP G Venkatraman said that actor and TVK leader Vijay’s delayed arrival worsened the crowd situation in Karur. He noted that earlier rallies of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam had smaller gatherings, but this event saw a turnout far higher than expected.
#WATCH | Karur, Tamil Nadu | The bodies of victims of the Karur stampede incident handed over to their family members after the postmortem.
As per CM MK Stalin, so far, 39 people have lost their lives in the stampede incident during a public event of TVK (Tamilaga Vettri… pic.twitter.com/u90lHjsbKb
— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2025
He explained that permission for the meeting was given between 3 pm and 10 pm, but people started assembling from 11 am. By the time Vijay arrived at 7:40 pm, thousands had already waited for hours without sufficient food and water, creating pressure in the overcrowded ground.
Karur stampede: Crowds swelled due to Vijay’s delayed arrival, says TN Police chief.
Stampede at Vijay’s rally: People lacked sufficient food, water, says TN DGP. pic.twitter.com/p5r7NOJrUh
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 28, 2025
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed that 39 people died in the Karur stampede, including 13 men, 17 women, four boys, and five girls. He said another 51 people, including 26 men and 25 women, remain under intensive treatment. Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of each victim.
VIDEO | Karur: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin met the injured in hospital following the Karur stampede.
As per ADGP Davidson Devasirvatham, 39 people have died in the incident. Over 40 are injured and undergoing treatment, with one reported to be in serious condition.#Karur… pic.twitter.com/42dVJp4Txu
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 28, 2025
He also deputed ministers, including Ma Subramanian, to oversee medical and relief arrangements. The chief minister described the incident as a painful loss for the state and assured strict measures to ensure safety at future political gatherings.
Tamil Nadu | Karur stampede | A victim says, “My Brother has two sons. His elder son died. We don’t know where his younger son is. My brother’s wife is admitted to the ICU now. I don’t know what to do. My son’s eye is injured…” pic.twitter.com/cUB4jPcn3t
— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2025
Police Deployment and Inquiry Commission
The DGP confirmed that over 500 police personnel managed the campaign venue where Vijay addressed the public. He clarified that the police cannot deploy forces equal to the strength of the crowd, which reached nearly 27,000 people against the organisers’ estimate of 10,000. Venkatraman said a one-person commission has already been formed to investigate the tragedy. He stressed that TVK cadres must share responsibility for crowd control at future events. He added that only after the inquiry report comes out, the actual reasons behind the stampede will become clear.
Tragedy During Vijay’s Speech
Vijay, who launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024, attracted a massive crowd at the rally. The incident took place around 7:30 pm, shortly after he began addressing supporters from atop his campaign vehicle. Panic spread in the overcrowded ground as people fainted and fell. Several women and children collapsed in the rush. Vijay stopped his speech midway, threw water bottles to distressed supporters, and requested police assistance. Reports said the ground had turned unsafe as exhaustion and suffocation spread quickly among people who had been waiting since the afternoon.
Leaders Express Condolences
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed sorrow on X, writing that he felt deeply saddened by the Karur tragedy that claimed many lives. Union Minister L Murugan said the news was deeply worrying. He contacted the Karur District Collector and instructed BJP leaders to extend all possible help to the victims’ families.
Rajinikanth condoled the demise , “The news of the loss of innocent lives in the incident that occurred in Karur shakes the heart and causes immense grief. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Comfort to those who were injured.”
கரூரில் நிகழ்ந்திருக்கும் அப்பாவி மக்களின் உயிரிழப்புச் செய்தி நெஞ்சை உலுக்கி மிகவும் வேதனையளிக்கிறது.
உயிரிழந்தோரின் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு என் ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்கள். காயமடைந்தோருக்கு ஆறுதல்கள்.#Karur #Stampede
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) September 27, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called the incident saddening and conveyed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he felt deeply pained and prayed for strength to the bereaved families.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed anguish over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. She prayed for the speedy recovery of the 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
Vijay also expressed grief on social media, saying his heart was broken and he was in unbearable pain. He conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the quick recovery of those under treatment. He thanked the police for their role in handling the crisis but appealed to party cadres to take responsibility for managing crowds in the future.
Collector Issues Helpline Numbers
The Karur District Collector’s office released helpline numbers to assist families affected by the stampede. Officials provided WhatsApp No. 70108 06322 and Landline No. 04324-256306 for direct support. Families of victims and injured persons can use these helplines for updates and assistance. T
he administration said officers are coordinating with police and hospitals to share information quickly with relatives. The district authorities also assured that special arrangements have been made to support the families of those who lost their lives or are undergoing treatment in nearby hospitals.
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Swastika Sruti is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX Digital with 5 years of experience shaping stories that matter. She loves tracking politics- national and global trends, and never misses a chance to dig deeper into policies and developments. Passionate about what’s happening around us, she brings sharp insight and clarity to every piece she works on. When not curating news, she’s busy exploring what’s next in the world of public interest. You can reach her at [swastika.newsx@gmail.com]
