A wave of shock and grief swept across Karur after a tragic stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay’s rally in Veluchamipuram on Saturday evening left 31 people dead and more than 40 injured.
According to Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, the deceased included six children, nine men, and 16 women, all of whom were brought dead to hospitals. He also confirmed that medical reinforcements were being rushed from across the state, with 24 doctors from Tiruchy, 20 from Salem, and five from Dindigul expected to arrive in Karur within an hour.
The Tamil Nadu government has mobilised extensive resources in response to the disaster. Senior health officials, including the Health Secretary and Director of Medical Education, headed to Karur, while additional doctors from Tiruchy, Dindigul, Namakkal, and Madurai Medical College were deployed to Karur Medical College, where most victims were admitted. Dr. R. Suganthy Rajakumari, Director of Medical Education, stated that around 30 doctors were already on site and more would be sent if required. She further noted that 33 bodies had been brought to the college hospital, which has sufficient facilities to handle the crisis.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is expected to visit Karur on Sunday to review the situation. School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and former minister Senthil Balaji also reached the hospital to oversee relief measures.
President of India Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed grief over the tragic incident.
The incident occurred during Vijay’s campaign in the Kongu region, part of his preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections. Arriving by chartered flight from Chennai earlier in the day, he had been campaigning in Namakkal before heading to Karur, where his rally drew massive crowds. The chaos broke out during his address, forcing the actor-turned-politician to cut short his speech as people began collapsing in the heat and crush.
Vijay, visibly shaken, appealed to his supporters to make way for ambulances and provide assistance to the injured.
However, many have criticised the TVK chief for failing to meet the families of those killed or injured in the stampede before his departure.
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