Chennai: The massive rally of actor-politician and TVK chief Vijay in Tamil Nadu’s Karur turned tragic on Saturday evening, as a sudden crowd surge, combined with a power cut and lack of space, triggered a stampede that left 40 people dead. According to reports from NDTV, eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as thousands of supporters rushed to catch a glimpse of the leader after his delayed arrival.

According to witnesses, the crowd kept swelling until Vijay reached the venue around 7 pm. “The crowd grew bigger when his campaign bus entered. Many people had climbed trees, rooftops, and even power lines, which forced officials to cut electricity to prevent electrocution,” one eyewitness said.

As Vijay’s bus appeared, people reportedly pushed against each other and threw slippers towards the vehicle in an attempt to grab his attention.

“Some of the people who had climbed trees and power lines fell into drains and got stuck. Some people fainted, too. Ambulances rushed to help those who were stuck, but they could not go through the huge crowd,” an eyewitness recalled.

Another person at the rally claimed that the police resorted to a lathi charge to control the situation.

“If Vijay had just waved his hands while on his way, the crowd would not have followed him. People were screaming for help. Vijay ignored their cries,” he said.

How did Vijay respond?

Hours after the tragedy, Vijay expressed his grief in a statement. “My heart is shattered. I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said.

He also announced compensation of ₹20 lakh for the families of each of the 39 victims. In addition, he promised ₹2 lakh each to nearly 100 people who were injured in the stampede.

What action has been taken against TVK leaders?

The day after the incident, two senior TVK leaders, including Vijay’s close aide N Anand, were booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Others named in the case include TVK joint general secretary CT Nirmal Kumar, Karur West district secretary Mathiyazhagan, and three more individuals.

What is the state government’s stand?

The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government strongly criticised Vijay and his party for alleged security lapses. Officials said organisers failed to provide sufficient drinking water and food, which caused many in the crowd to faint.

Sources also alleged that when people collapsed during Vijay’s speech, ambulances were not allowed into the venue.

“When Vijay was addressing the crowd, some people collapsed, but the speech continued,” the officials claimed. They further said that after the rally, Vijay left for Trichy airport and flew to Chennai in a private aircraft.