English
English
English
Crowds had reportedly begun gathering as early as 7 am while actor-politician Vijay arrived at the venue only around 3 pm.
FIR lodged against Vijay
Tamil Nadu: Following the deadly stampede in Tamil Nadu, FIRs have been registered by Karur police against actor-politician Vijay, TVK general secretary Bussy Anand, and separately against local TVK secretary Mathivalagan. Heavy security has also been deployed at Vijay Joseph’s residence near Chennai.
The stampede reportedly began while actor-politician Vijay was addressing the gathering, causing chaos as party workers, children, and others fainted and fell amidst the crowd.
Tamil Nadu Stampede: Vijay’s late arrival led to crowd surge, claims TN DGP; Know what happened
The worst of the stampede occurred near Veluswamy Puram on the Karur-Erode-Coimbatore highway, where crowds had begun gathering as early as 7 am. Vijay Joseph arrived at the venue only around 3 pm. Police had granted permission for 10,000 people, but more than 50,000 reportedly assembled. There were also inadequate arrangements for drinking water.
The tragic incident claimed 39 lives, including 17 women, 9 children, and 13 men. Witnesses reported that the situation worsened when the crowd damaged a temporary generator shed to push inside, creating further chaos.
கனத்த இதயத்துடன்… pic.twitter.com/tKH9upeexa
— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) September 27, 2025
After the incident, Vijay immediately left for Trichy and then flew by private jet to Chennai. Despite the presence of journalists everywhere, he did not speak to the media at any point. About three hours later, he tweeted expressing his grief over the deaths, saying his “heart is broken.”
Police had granted permission for 10,000 people
In his statement, Vijay said, “My heart is broken. I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and grief that cannot be expressed in words. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of my beloved brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in hospitals.”
Following the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened an emergency meeting. He announced that the families of the deceased would receive ₹10 lakh each as compensation and assured support for the injured.
The stampede has sparked widespread concern over crowd management, safety measures, and accountability at mass gatherings, as authorities work to provide relief to the victims’ families and investigate the causes of the incident.
Video: Tamilnadu Stampede; TVK Vijay first response came after incident, Death toll rises to 38
