Stampede at Vijay’s Rally Leaves 39 Dead, Party Leaders Booked
Police in Tamil Nadu file criminal case against senior leaders of Vijay’s political party after a stampede at his rally killed 39 and injured dozens.
A Campaign Tragedy That Shook Tamil Nadu
What was meant to be a show of political strength for Tamil cinema superstar Vijay’s newly launched political party turned into a deadly tragedy. At least 39 people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede during a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, with more than 50 others injured.
Authorities confirmed on Sunday that a criminal case has been registered against senior leaders of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), marking the first legal step toward potential charges in connection with the incident.
The Party and Its Growing Influence
Vijay, often hailed as one of Kollywood’s biggest stars, has long been celebrated for his three-decade career on screen. His leap into politics in 2023 through the formation of TVK drew massive public attention, with thousands attending every rally.
TVK has positioned itself as a challenger to Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With state elections scheduled for early next year, Saturday’s rally was part of an aggressive campaign push aimed at expanding its grassroots presence.
How the Stampede Unfolded
According to police, the tragedy occurred as Vijay addressed supporters from atop a campaign vehicle. Eyewitness videos broadcast by local media showed the actor distributing water bottles to fainting attendees as the crowd swelled dangerously close to the stage.
“The organizers sought permission for 10,000 people, but the turnout exceeded 20,000,” senior police official V. Selvaraj told Reuters. The overcrowding quickly spiraled out of control, and in the chaos that followed, dozens were trampled.
Police have since filed a case against top TVK leaders Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and V.P. Mathiyalagan. Investigations are underway to determine lapses in safety and crowd management.
Public Grief and Political Reactions
Vijay, visibly shaken by the tragedy, said he was “heartbroken” and pledged full support to the families of the victims. His words resonated across Tamil Nadu, where his popularity extends far beyond the cinema halls.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 million (about $11,300) to each affected family, calling the loss “irreparable.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow on X, describing the incident as “deeply saddening.”
Legal and Administrative Measures
The state government has moved swiftly to address accountability. A commission headed by a retired judge will probe the circumstances leading to the tragedy, from permissions granted to on-the-ground security measures.
Legal experts suggest the case against TVK’s senior leaders could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of crowd-control regulations during political gatherings.
The Larger Implications for Tamil Nadu Politics
The stampede has added a tragic dimension to Tamil Nadu’s already heated political climate. For Vijay and his party, the incident poses both a moral and political test. While his popularity remains immense, questions over organizational preparedness and safety could shadow his campaign in the crucial months ahead.
The tragedy also underscores a broader issue: the dangerous intersection of mass fandom and political mobilization in India, where rallies often exceed safe capacities, putting lives at risk.
Looking Ahead
As Tamil Nadu mourns the victims, the inquiry commission’s findings will be closely watched. For Vijay’s fledgling party, how it handles the fallout balancing accountability with compassion could shape its future as a political force.
One thing is certain: the Karur rally, meant to showcase political momentum, will now be remembered as a somber reminder of the human cost of inadequate crowd control.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on officially confirmed reports and statements from law enforcement, government officials, and public records. It avoids speculation and ensures factual accuracy.)
ALOS READ: DFSA Halts HDFC Bank Dubai Branch from Taking New Clients