A deadly stampede at Tamil actor-politician Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu on September 27, 2025, killed 40 people and injured over 100, triggering comprehensive compensation measures and criminal investigations.
How the Stampede Occurred
The tragedy unfolded due to multiple factors creating a deadly combination:
Delayed Arrival: Vijay was scheduled to arrive at noon but reached only at 7:40 PM – nearly 8 hours late.
Massive Overcrowding: The venue designed for 10,000 people swelled to 27,000 attendees, exceeding authorized capacity by 170%.
Poor Conditions: Supporters waited under scorching heat for hours without adequate food, water, or shelter, with many skipping meals to maintain their positions.
The Fatal Moment: When Vijay finally arrived and began addressing the crowd, thousands surged forward to get closer, creating a deadly crush near a generator shed and TV broadcast van.
Death Toll and Casualties
40 people died, including:
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17 women
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14 men
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9 children (youngest victim was 2-year-old Dhuru Vishnu)
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Over 100 injured, with 67 hospitalized
Comprehensive Support Provided
Government Compensation
Tamil Nadu State Government:
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₹10 lakh for each victim’s family
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₹1 lakh for each injured person
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Judicial inquiry ordered
Central Government (PM Modi):
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₹2 lakh for each victim’s family
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₹50,000 for each injured person
Vijay’s Personal Support
Actor Vijay announced:
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₹20 lakh for each victim’s family (double the state amount)
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₹2 lakh for each injured person
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Total commitment exceeding ₹10 crore
Additional Support
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Medical: 44+ medical professionals deployed from neighboring districts
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Political: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited families
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BJP: Additional ₹1 lakh per family announced
Legal Action
Criminal cases filed against three senior TVK party leaders for:
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Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
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Exceeding permitted crowd capacity
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Poor safety arrangements
Vijay himself was not named in the criminal case, though investigation continues. A judicial commission has been established to investigate the incident and recommend preventive measures for future events.
This represents one of Tamil Nadu’s deadliest political rally tragedies, highlighting critical needs for improved crowd management and safety protocols at large public gatherings.
