A massive crowd surge at a political rally for Indian actor-turned-politician Vijay claimed at least 31 lives and left more than 50 injured in Tamil Nadu on Saturday.
According to Reuters, the tragic incident occurred in Karur district during a campaign event for Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which is preparing for upcoming state elections.
V. Selvaraj, a senior police official in Karur, confirmed the death toll and said dozens of victims were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Reports indicate that over 58 people received emergency care after what officials described as a stampede.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said he had ordered urgent medical assistance for the injured and promised to personally visit Karur on Sunday.
“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement on X, offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Medical reinforcements were dispatched quickly, with at least 44 doctors from Tiruchirappalli and Salem mobilized to Karur, according to local reports.
Authorities say investigations are underway to determine what triggered the deadly crush.
Vijay, one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular actors, founded his political party last year and officially began campaigning this month.
His rallies have drawn massive turnouts across the state as he seeks to transform his celebrity status into political power.
This latest tragedy underscores growing safety concerns around India’s crowded campaign events, where inadequate crowd control has often led to disasters.
