Karur stampede: TVK chief Vijay announces Rs 20 lakh aid for kin of deceased
Thirty-nine people have been killed and 95 have been injured in the stampede that broke out at TVK's rally in Karur on Saturday
At least 39 people, including children, were killed and 95 were injured in a stampede that broke out during a rally of actor-politician Vijay in Karur on Saturday (September 27). Of the injured, 51 have been admitted to the government hospital in Karur, where the condition of one of them is stated to be critical.
Long wait, crowd surge at Vijay’s rally
Addressing the press on Sunday (September 28) morning, Tamil Nadu DGP G Venkataraman blamed the stampede on the delayed arrival of actor-politician Vijay at the venue. He said the crowd had been waiting for a long time and lacked sufficient food and water while waiting for the actor’s arrival under the hot sun.
He said a surge in crowd was seen after the official X handle of Vijay’s TVK party said he would arrive at the venue by 12 noon.
“Permission (for the meeting) was sought between 3 pm-10 pm. The TVK Twitter account said he will come at 12 and the crowd started coming in from 11 AM. He came at 7.40 PM. The people lacked sufficient food and water under the hot sun." "Our intention is not to blame anyone, but we are just stating the facts," he said.
‘Arrangement made for 10K people; 27K turned up’
Further, Vijay was accorded a welcome at one point, and a big crowd followed him, and he was ushered in safely to the venue by the police. "He also lauded the police...the crowd kept swelling," he said.
While the organisers put the expected number at 10,000, about 27,000 people turned up to have a glimpse of the actor, Venkataraman said.
He indicated police protection was given, anticipating about 20,000.
Asked if there were "only 500" police personnel on bandobast duty, he said the meeting venue was a public road and more police cover would have meant people would not have sufficient space.
Two days ago, the meeting of a "big party" was held here, he said in an apparent reference to the AIADMK.
Stalin rushes to Karur, orders probe
Chief Minister MK Stalin rushed to Karur from Chennai past midnight and took stock of the treatment being given to the injured at the government hospital there.
Stalin said such a tragedy with such massive casualties in a political event has never occurred in the history of Tamil Nadu and should never recur in the future.
He announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured while ordering the formation of an inquiry commission headed by a retired high court judge to probe the incident.
Authorities announced helpline numbers to reach the Karur district collect office helpdesk (04324 256306 and Whatsapp 7010806322).
Heat, chaos, overcrowding, 'power cut'
My heart is shattered: Vijay
The rally, part of Vijay's party TVK’s state-wide campaign push ahead of upcoming elections, was abruptly halted as cries of "police, please help!" echoed through the venue. Videos circulating online showed Vijay pausing his speech to distribute water bottles to his supporters.
Vijay later issued a brief statement on social media: "My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital."
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Live Updates
- 28 Sept 2025 1:26 PM IST
Karur stampede: TVK approaches Madras HC, alleges conspiracy
Vijay’s TVK has approached the Madras High Court seeking an independent probe into the Karur stampede that claimed 39 lives so far. The party has alleged a conspiracy behind the incident.
- 28 Sept 2025 12:48 PM IST
Watch: Families of Karur stampede victims grieve the loss of loved ones at cremation ground
The family members of the victims of the deadly stampede during TVK leader Vija's rally in Karur grieve the loss of their loved one at a cremation ground in Karur. The tragedy has claimed 39 lives so far.
- 28 Sept 2025 12:18 PM IST
Karur stampede: 4 TVK leaders booked in attempt to murder case
Even as actor-politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) face backlash over the death of 39 people in a stampede at the party’s rally in Karur on Saturday (September 28), Karur Town Police have registered a serious case against four prominent TVK functionaries, including controversial activist Bussy Anand and CT Nirmal Kumar, charging them with attempted murder and public property damage. Read the full story here: Karur stampede: 4 TVK leaders booked in attempt to murder case
- 28 Sept 2025 11:50 AM IST
PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for TVK rally stampede victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives during the stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally in Karur. The injured would receive Rs 50,000, stated the PNO in a post on X.
"PM @narendramodi has announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF to be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," stated the PMO.
- 28 Sept 2025 11:35 AM IST
TVK chief Vijay announces ₹20 lakh aid for Karur stampede victims' kin
TVK Chief Vijay has announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh rupees to each family that has lost a loved one and 2 lakh rupees to those who are injured and receiving treatment. He also assured that his party will extend all necessary support to the injured who are currently undergoing treatment.
“This is indeed an irreparable loss for us. No matter who offers words of comfort, the loss of our loved ones is unbearable. Yet, as a member of your family, I intend to provide 20 lakh rupees to each family that has lost a loved one and 2 lakh rupees to those who are injured and receiving treatment. This amount is, of course, not significant in the face of such a loss. Still, at this moment, it is my duty as one who belongs to your family to stand by you, my dear ones, with a heavy heart,” said Vijay in a post on X.
“Likewise, I pray to God that all our loved ones who are injured and undergoing treatment recover swiftly and return home. I also assure you that our Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will steadfastly provide all necessary support to our loved ones under treatment,” he added.
- 28 Sept 2025 11:23 AM IST
VCK chief Thirumavalavan demands Rs 50 lakh aid for TVK rally stampede victims
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol. Thirumavalavan demands that the compensation announced by the Tamil Nadu government for the next of kin of those who died during the stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally must be raised to Rs 50 lakh for each family of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh each for the injured. The Tamil Nadu Government has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each for the injured. The VCK chief is on his way to Karur to meet the stampede victims and their families.
"At present, 39 people, including women and children, have lost their lives, and several others are battling for survival under intensive care. This tragedy is deeply disturbing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and urge the government to provide advanced medical treatment to the injured. The State Government has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each for the injured. The compensation must be raised to ₹50 lakh for each family of the deceased and ₹5 lakh each for the injured. The gesture of the CM provided solace to the victims, and the work done by the ministers on the ground, offering support, is commendable, he said.
“Political rallies often draw lakhs of people, mostly young men who rush with great enthusiasm towards the stage. Leaders must carefully consider the time, venue, and duration of speeches to avoid overcrowding. A delay in starting events only worsens congestion. In the past 30 years, we have conducted rallies with lakhs of people. We know the scale of the crowd better than the police. The police decide arrangements based on our estimates, and therefore, leaders must plan accordingly,” added Thirumavalavan.
He also said, “ I have realised that cooperating with police guidelines is essential to avoid such tragedies... When we are in mourning, blaming one side or the other is not appropriate. A judicial inquiry led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan has already been constituted, and I believe it will reveal the true reasons behind this disaster. TVK chief Vijay had already expressed his sorrow. I believe he will go back again to meet and console the affected people."
- 28 Sept 2025 11:11 AM IST
Watch: Karur stampede victims' families grieve during last rites
Family members of the victims of the stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally mourn the loss of their loved ones while performing the last rites at the Palamapuram Electric Crematorium. The stampede has claimed 39 lives so far.
- 28 Sept 2025 11:06 AM IST
Deputy CM Udayanidhi Stalin promises legal action on Karur stampede
Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udayanidhi Stalin says that CM Stalin will take legal action based on the report of the enquiry commission set up by the state government to probe the stampede in Karur during the rally of TVK chief Vijay adding that the State government has urged the Health Department to ensure that no further deaths occur due to the stampede.
“Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udayanidhi Stalin says, "It's a huge loss and it cannot be replaced. We have advised the health department to make sure no further deaths occur due to the stampede. After such a scandal, it should not happen again, and for that, this government will take full action,” he said.
“CM has instructed that a single-person commission, headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, be formed to inquire about the stampede incident. Aruna Jagadeesan is expected to arrive in Karur today. Our Chief Minister will take legal action as per the report of the enquiry commission,” added Udayanidhi.
- 28 Sept 2025 10:58 AM IST
Amit Shah seeks explanation from TN govt on Karur stampede
Union Minister L. Murugan says that Home Minister Amit Shah has sought an explanation from the Tamil Nadu government on the deadly stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally in Karur, adding that Shah has also assured all necessary support.
- 28 Sept 2025 10:27 AM IST
Karur stampede: Postmortems done for 30 victims, says TN Health Secretary
Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P Senthil Kumar said that postmortems have been completed for 30 out of 39 victims, with bodies handed over to families, while remaining procedures continue. The Karur stampede claimed 39 lives: 17 women, 13 men, 4 male children, and 5 female children, he added. The Health Secretary said that among the injured, 26 patients were treated in OPD and discharged, while 67 remain admitted for ongoing treatment. Two patients are in critical condition, with all others stable. One patient is being transferred to Madurai Medical College and Hospital for specialised care, he added.
