At a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, a tragic stampede claimed the lives of 40 individuals, with another 124 injured and receiving medical attention, according to the state’s health minister Ma Subramanian. The incident occurred during a gathering for Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, a renowned actor and politician popularly known as Vijay, who is contesting in the upcoming 2026 state elections.
The rally, which took place in the district of Karur, attracted tens of thousands of attendees despite the scorching weather. In states like Tamil Nadu, film stars hold significant reverence deeply embedded in the region’s cultural ethos of hero worship, often transitioning into successful political figures or even acquiring divine status.
Eyewitnesses reported that Vijay’s delayed arrival at the rally site led to overcrowding, causing chaos as barricades and ropes proved ineffective in managing the swelling crowd. The situation escalated when Vijay’s departure triggered a commotion as fans and supporters pursued his campaign vehicle, resulting in the fatal stampede.
Acknowledging the lack of discipline at the event, Minister Subramanian announced a government-led investigation, with former judge-appointed to deliver a report within a month. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has pledged financial assistance to the families of the deceased, offering over $11,000 each as compensation.
Vijay, who transitioned from acting to politics by founding Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024, expressed his grief following the incident, emphasizing his profound sorrow over the tragic outcome. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, labeling the occurrence as “deeply saddening.”
Stampedes are not uncommon in India during large gatherings. The country witnessed a similar tragedy in January when 30 individuals lost their lives during the Maha Kumbh festival as devotees rushed to bathe in a sacred river.
The incident underscores the challenges of crowd management during public events, urging authorities to prioritize safety measures to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.