Karur, Tamil Nadu: A massive crowd at Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor Vijay’s campaign rally on Saturday turned tragic as a sudden surge led to chaos, resulting in at least 36 deaths and leaving dozens injured, many in critical condition.

State Health Minister Ma Subramanian had initially confirmed that among the deceased are 16 women, nine men, and six children. Later, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed that the death toll has risen to 36, according to NDTV reports.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has requested a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government regarding the stampede that occurred during the campaign rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, ANI reported, citing government sources.

"Probing cause of stampede. In touch with Karur officials,” ADGP Davidson Devasirvatham said.

The crowd swelled and became uncontrollable even as Vijay was addressing the gathering, and a number of persons, including party workers and a few children, fainted and fell down.

Emergency services were quickly alerted, and ambulances arrived to transport the affected individuals to nearby hospitals.

Following the Chief Minister M K Stalin's directive, DMK district secretary and former minister Senthil Balaji immediately headed to the hospital to oversee relief measures. State Health Minister Ma Subramanian is also en route to the hospital, where the injured are being treated. Stalin is expected to visit Karur on Sunday. 

"Till now, 31 people have died in the stampede, and 58 people have been admitted to the hospital. After the stampede incident, the CM immediately enquired and ordered the district collector, SP, and me to rush to the hospital, advising us to call extra doctors and provide proper treatment...Tomorrow, the Chief Minister will come here himself. As of now, 46 persons are in a private hospital, and 12 persons are admitted to a government hospital for treatment," Senthil Balaji told reporters.

In a post on X, CM Stalin stated, "I have contacted former Minister @V_Senthilbalaji, Honorable Minister @Subramanian_Ma and the District Collector to provide immediate treatment to the public who have fainted and been admitted to the hospital due to the crowding."

The families of those who lost their lives in the Karur tragedy will receive compensation of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Additionally, a Commission of Inquiry, led by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, will be established to investigate the incident, according to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office.