A campaign rally for Tamil star-turned-politician Vijay ended in a stampede that killed at least 38 people – among them 16 women and eight children – and left over 150 hospitalised across Karur and Trichy. At least half a dozen victims are critical and the toll could go up, officials said.

Officials said the chaos began shortly after 7.30 pm, behind the van from which Vijay was speaking. Dozens of supporters had climbed a tree to get a better view. When its branches gave way, they fell onto the tightly packed crowd about 50 meters away. The sudden crash triggered a panic that rippled through the audience, crushing men, women, and children.

Ambulances forced their way through even as Vijay continued speaking, unaware of the scale of the unfolding disaster. He left the stage soon after and travelled back to Chennai, arriving around 11 pm. Police sources said he was briefed about the deaths when he stopped in Trichy en route to catch a flight. He did not address the media but spoke with local police and TVK functionaries about the incident.

The state government announced a Rs 10 lakh compensation for each victim and authorised the transfer of patients to both government and private hospitals, including Apollo, to expedite care.

Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed shock and left home to catch the 1 am flight to Trichy to oversee relief. Health Minister Ma Subramaniam, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, and senior police officials were rushed to the scene. “All available doctors must report immediately,” Subramaniam said.

A senior police officer noted that permission for the event had been granted from 3 pm, but TVK’s social media posts advertised Vijay’s arrival at 12.45 pm. “That led to people gathering as early as 10 am. and waiting until night. The crowd had been growing restless for hours,” he said.

The rally followed a day of hectic campaigning. Vijay addressed a gathering in Namakkal before heading to Karur, where thousands trailed his convoy, allegedly ignoring police instructions to organisers. The grounds were already overflowing by the time he arrived.

Earlier this week, Vijay had clashed with the DMK government over restrictions on his campaign. At rallies in Ariyalur and Trichy, he accused the state of cutting electricity to his microphones and instructing him not to wave or smile too much. “Oh my god, this is semma comedy,” he said in Trichy, taunting Chief Minister Stalin: “CM sir, are you threatening me? You got it wrong.”

At Karur, he began by thanking the police for their cooperation, but by the end of his speech, was again blaming them for unnecessary restrictions. Senior officers defended their approach, saying the tragedy underscored why controls were imposed.

Leaders from across the political spectrum offered their condolences to the victims of what is among the worst political tragedies in recent times.

“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter, also known as X.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, that has taken so many precious lives. My heart goes out to their loved ones, and I wish a swift recovery to all those injured. I urge Congress workers and leaders to extend every possible support to the victims and their families, and to work closely with the authorities in relief and rescue efforts,” Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, posted.

Stalin said a one-member commission comprising retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will look into the incident.

The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the state on the incident. Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to the Governor and Chief Minister and assured all possible help from the Centre.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vijay-rally-overcrowdin-stampede-like-situation-tamil-nadu-10275271/

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5780615&forum_id=2],#49308252)