Karur: A deadly stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday evening claimed the lives of at least 36 people and left many injured, authorities and eyewitnesses said.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the Karur tragedy, extending condolences to the families of the victims. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives in a stampede-like unfortunate incident in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured.”

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "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."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed sorrow over the Karur stampede, stating on X, “Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed grief over the deaths at actor Vijay’s Karur rally and urged people to cooperate with ongoing relief efforts. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed his heartfelt condolences: "Deeply anguished by the tragic accident at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The loss of innocent lives is truly heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured."

Actor and politician Kamal Haasan expressed grief over the tragic incident at Vijay’s rally in Karur, describing the reports as shocking and sorrowful. He wrote, “My heart trembles. The news coming from Karur brings shock and sorrow. I am at a loss for words to express my deepest condolences to the innocent people who lost their lives trapped in the crowd congestion. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that those rescued from the congestion receive proper treatment and that those affected receive appropriate relief.”

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed shock and sorrow in a statement, "The news that more than 29 people have died in the crowd crush at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party rally in Karur while its leader Vijay was speaking is shocking and painful. I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased." He confirmed steps taken to support the injured in government hospitals and urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure proper treatment and compensation for the families of those lost."

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the Karur rally tragedy, urging support for the victims and their families. 

Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed grief over the tragic stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally in Karur.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called the incident "worrisome" and ordered urgent medical care and aid. Ministers and district officials rushed to hospitals treating the victims.

The stampede occurred due to overwhelming crowd congestion at the rally venue, where thousands had gathered. As Vijay addressed the rally, many fainted due to heat and suffocation, triggering panic and chaos. Ambulances faced difficulties reaching the injured amid the dense crowd.

Vijay stopped his speech midway, appealed for calm, and aided in the rescue efforts. Authorities confirmed locating a child who was missing during the commotion.