At a recent political rally in India, a tragic incident led to the deaths of 39 people and left over 50 others injured. The gathering was part of Tamil actor Vijay’s campaign for his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. This incident took place in Karur, where Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed the casualties, which included men, women, and children.
Vijay, a major star in Tamil cinema for 30 years, has attracted large crowds since launching his party in 2024. His popularity is evident as he faces off against established political groups, including the ruling DMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With state elections coming up in early 2026, his rallies draw immense interest.
Unfortunately, during the rally, the situation became chaotic. Videos showed crowds surrounding Vijay’s campaign vehicle as he spoke, but his delayed arrival increased anxiety among supporters who had been waiting for hours without enough food or water. Tamil Nadu police chief DGP Venkatraman noted this contributed to the crush of people.
As the situation escalated, Vijay attempted to help fans by throwing water bottles to those who fainted and called for police assistance. In a heartfelt message on social media, he expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy and sent condolences to the victims’ families.
The government has promised compensation of 1 million Indian rupees (around $11,280) to the families of those who lost their lives, and an inquiry has been initiated to understand what went wrong. This type of safety issue is not new for Vijay; similar problems were reported during an earlier rally in October when his party was launched, resulting in at least six deaths.
Safety at large events continues to be a concern across India. According to a recent report from the National Crime Records Bureau, overcrowding and inadequate emergency response have been the causes of numerous fatalities at public gatherings. Experts emphasize the importance of planning and adherence to safety protocols to prevent tragedies in the future.
As the campaign moves forward, it’s clear that the passion of Vijay’s supporters is immense, but so is the responsibility to ensure their safety. With increasing attendance at political rallies, addressing these concerns is more crucial than ever.
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