Tamil Nadu: A tragic stampede during actor-politician Vijay’s visit to Tamil Nadu has once again put the spotlight on crowd management at public events. At least 39 people have died and several were injured when a massive gathering spiraled out of control, leading to chaos and panic. Tamil Nadu’s Director General of Police (DGP) has pointed to Vijay’s delayed arrival as one of the main reasons behind the swelling crowds and subsequent surge. As per the DGP, the crowd swelled due to the delayed arrival of the actor-politician to the venue and they lacked sufficient food and water during the waiting hours under the hot sun. Tamil Nadu Stampede: ‘Such a tragedy should never happen’, says CM Stalin; Full story Actor reached the venue at 7:40 pm The confusion began after the official Twitter handle of Vijay’s TVK party announced the actor would arrive at 12 noon. “Permission for the programme was given from 3 pm to 10 pm. But when the TVK account posted about a noon arrival, people began thronging the venue from 11 am itself. Eventually, Vijay reached only at 7:40 pm. By then, the crowd had been waiting all day under the blazing sun, with little access to food or water,” the DGP noted. [caption id="attachment_159909" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Around 27,000 turned up for the rally.[/caption] Crowd far beyond expect As per the police chief, the organisers had expected around 10,000 people to appear in the actor-politician rally instead around 27,000 turned up. "Our intention is not to blame anyone, we are just stating the facts," the police chief added. Talking about security arrangements, the DGP informed that nearly 500 police officers were on duty at the venue, which was set up on a public road. "More police cover would have meant less space for people," he said. Video: Tamilnadu Stampede; TVK Vijay first response came after incident, Death toll rises to 38 MK Stalin, Vijay reaction TN CM MK Stalin has asked the government to ensure proper treatment for the people injured in the stampede. "I request the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that all those admitted to hospitals after being trapped in the crowd chaos receive appropriate treatment, he said on X. கரூரில் தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழக கூட்டத்தில் ஏற்பட்ட கூட்ட நெரிசலில் சிக்கி குழந்தைகள், பெண்கள் உட்பட 30க்கும் அதிகமானோர் உயிரிழந்திருப்பதாக ஊடகங்களில் வெளியாகியிருக்கும் செய்திகள் மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியையும், வேதனையையும் ஏற்படுத்துகிறது. உயிரிழந்தவர்களின் குடும்பத்தினர் மற்றும்… — TTV Dhinakaran (@TTVDhinakaran) September 27, 2025 The incident occurred on Saturday resulted in at least 39 deaths, including 17 women and 9 children. As per the reports, over 80 people are injured so far, with many receiving treatment at hospitals in Karur and nearby Trichy. Actor- politician Vijay expressed his grief late Saturday in a post on X. "My heart has broken. I am in unbearable, inexplicable pain and grief," he wrote on X.
