what happened in karur

On September 27, 2025, a tragic crowd crush (stampede) occurred during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, hosted by the actor-turned-politician Vijay, founder and president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. The event took place in Velusamypuram along the Karur–Erode highway. The rally was expected to have about 10,000 to 30,000 attendees, but eyewitnesses and reports suggest the crowd swelled to as many as 60,000 people. The crowd crush happened when large sections surged toward the stage barricades in an attempt to see Vijay. At least 40 people died, including women, men, and children, and about 83 were injured. Many victims were rushed to hospitals. The incident reportedly involved people fainting and suffering from dehydration under hot conditions while waiting for hours as Vijay's arrival was delayed by over six hours. Emergency services responded promptly, with doctors and ambulances dispatched. Compensation was announced by the state and central government, as well as by Vijay's party for the families of the deceased and the injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and other political leaders expressed condolences and ordered an inquiry into the event, appointing a retired high court judge to investigate the stampede. Police have also registered cases against some TVK leaders regarding responsibility for the crowd control failure. The tragedy has sparked political debate over the event's management and security measures. The Karur district observed a shutdown in solidarity with the victims the following day.