A recent political rally for famous Tamil actor Vijay turned fatal when the crowd stampeded. At least 36 people were killed and 40 more were injured. The second incident occurred at Karur, Tamil Nadu. Vijay won over tens of thousands of enthusiastic supporters en route to the upcoming state elections, scheduled for early 2026.
Vijay, a national film award winner and global star in Tamil cinema for over three decades, has drawn monster crowds to his public events. Since the release of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024, his power has only increased. On the day of the rally, he addressed an enthusiastic crowd from atop a bus, but chaos ensued when attendees surged forward.
The Rally and Its Aftermath
Things got a little wild at the rally when the heat turned extreme, and Vijay showed up 3 hours late. The longer he went, though, the louder and more frustrated the crowd grew. Eyewitnesses reported that at least 30 people passed out from the extreme heat. In reaction, Vijay started throwing water bottles to supporters who were in distress.
As the situation intensified, Vijay requested police help to control the crowd. Unfortunately, the stampede occurred shortly thereafter. In a horrifying scene, eyewitnesses reported a stampede of concert-goers running away after gunfire erupted, causing them to flee toward the stage. Sadly, the overwhelming majority of victims died on arrival to nearby hospitals.
State Health Minister Ma Subramanian reassured that the injured persons are stable now. He further noted that a full investigation has already been launched into the event’s operations.
“I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express,” – Vijay
Government Response and Investigation
For many, the incident was a call to action that drew immediate attention from multiple levels of government. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones.” As he wrote about the event, this was “deeply saddening,” but the deepness of the sadness does not bury the truth.
Ma Subramanian mentioned poor discipline at the press conference rally laid the groundwork for that tragedy’s adverse results. As the investigation continues, the government has promised to implement safety precautions at upcoming events in order to avoid a repeat of the tragedy.
Vijay’s Political Journey
Vijay’s ascendancy in Tamil Nadu politics has been meteoric since he founded Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. His massive popularity in Tamil cinema has transferred to enormous political capital, pulling in millions of people to his campaign rallies.
As he goes into his campaign moves towards state elections in March this incident has proved to be a dark turn on his transportation path. The actor’s impact is still strong, immense. Yet the tragedy raises profound questions about the measure of effective crowd control and safety procedures at any massive public event.
