Political Blame Game After Karur Rally Stampede Kills 40

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Karur
• Sep 28, 2025
• 292

The death toll from the tragic stampede at Tamil actor Vijay’s rally in Karur has climbed to 40, including 16 women and 10 children. At least 95 others are injured, with 51 battling for their lives in ICU. Officials fear the toll may rise further.

The rally was organized by Vijay’s recently formed political party, the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), which was founded in February 2024. Permission was given for 10,000 attendees, but the crowd swelled to nearly 50,000.

Cause of the Stampede

The chaos began when a 60-foot campaign bus attempted to move through a packed 100-foot-wide street, compressing the already dense crowd. Eyewitnesses said panic spread as people fainted under pressure, and children were trampled, sparking a deadly stampede.

Though Vijay interrupted his speech and appealed for calm, rescue efforts were severely delayed as ambulances and volunteers struggled to reach victims in the crowd.

Political Fallout

The incident has triggered a fierce political row.

TVK accused the ruling DMK of orchestrating a “criminal conspiracy,” citing alleged CCTV footage and local testimonies implicating DMK leaders. TVK’s lawyer, Arivzhagan, claimed: “This was not an accident. It was a conspiracy.”

The state government countered, saying security violations by organizers worsened the situation.

The Home Ministry has sought a full report from Tamil Nadu officials.

Legal Action

Supreme Court lawyer GS Mani has filed a petition demanding an FIR against Vijay and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

Meanwhile, TVK has approached the Madras High Court seeking an independent investigation.

Vijay’s Response

Actor Vijay, in a statement posted on TVK’s official X handle, wrote:
“I have no words to express my grief. My heart is broken. I feel so much pain and sorrow.”
He announced ₹20 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for each injured.

However, criticism mounted as Vijay left for Chennai on a chartered flight soon after the incident, without visiting the injured in Karur hospitals.