Police have registered a criminal case against senior leaders of Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), after a stampede at one of his rallies killed at least 40 people, including children, and left more than 50 others injured.
The deadly incident occurred last Saturday in Karur district, where Vijay was campaigning ahead of state elections due early next year. According to police, TVK had sought permission for a gathering of around 10,000 people, but the actual turnout swelled to more than double that number.
“Cases have been filed against TVK party senior leaders Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and VP Mathiyalagan, and the investigation is underway,” said senior police official V. Selvaraj.
State Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed that most victims were declared dead on arrival at hospitals, while those injured remain in stable condition. He also noted that excessive heat, overcrowding, and disorder at the rally worsened the situation.
Local reports suggest the stampede began as Vijay addressed tens of thousands of supporters from atop his campaign vehicle. In the surge to get closer to him, several fans fell, triggering panic. Witnesses said at least 30 people fainted during his speech, forcing ambulances to rush them to nearby hospitals. Although Vijay initially continued his address, he cut it short once he sensed the seriousness of the situation.
Hours later, Vijay expressed his grief on social media. “My heart is shattered,” he wrote on X. “I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences, describing the tragedy as “deeply saddening” and offering prayers for the victims’ families and those recovering from injuries.
The incident has once again highlighted the intense fan culture in Tamil Nadu, where film stars often enjoy near-divine status. Vijay, one of the state’s most popular actors, retired from cinema in 2024 to launch his political party, though it remains unclear whether he plans to contest elections himself.
