A part of Veluchamy Puram in Karur where heavy casualties were reported due to the Vijay campaign stampede.
| Photo Credit: Vengadesh R
Velusamypuram, where 39 persons died in a stampede at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay’s public meeting on Saturday (September 27, 2025) night, bore the grim aftermath of the tragedy, with slippers strewn across the ground and torn party scarves lying scattered.
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Early Sunday morning, residents of the habitat recounted to The Hindu the harrowing scenes they witnessed.
Crowds had begun gathering from early morning in Karur, though Mr. Vijay arrived only around 7.30 p.m. “Had he kept to his allotted time of 3 p.m., the crowd would have been much smaller. By evening, the congestion was unbearable,” said Balaji, a resident.
Several locals said the choice of venue aggravated the situation. “If he [Vijay] had waved from the flyover or the outskirts, the crowd would have dispersed quickly. Instead, the procession was made to move with his propaganda van,” alleged Sivagurunathan N.S.
In Pictures: Stampede at Vijay’s TVK rally in Karur
A view of the strewn chappals are seen after a stampede during the actor and TVK chief Vijay’s rally in Karur on September 27, 2025. At least 39 people were killed and more than 80 injured in the stampede.
TVK chief and actor Vijay watches as ambulances carry the injured at Karur where 39 people died due to stampede on September 27, 2025.
Over 80 persons were injured during the stampede at TVK rally in Karur on September 27, 2025. A view of an injured being taken to a hospital.
Anxious relatives wait outside the hospital where injured are being treated after a stampede at TVK rally in Karur on September 27, 2025.
TVK chief and actor Vijay during a rally in Karur where 39 people were killed and more than 80 injured during a stampede in Karur on September 27, 2025.
The State government has announced a commission to be headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe the circumstances that led to the stampede, Mr. Stalin said. He directed the Collectors of Tiruchi, Salem, and Dindigul to go immediately to Karur and co-ordinate the relief effort.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visits the hospital to meet the injured persons. He announced a solatium of ₹10 lakh to the families of those who died in the stampede, and ₹1 lakh for those who were injured and are being treated in hospitals.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami enquires an injured person at the Karur Medical College Hospital.
A view of the Karur Medical College Hospital where the injured persons have been admitted and are being treated.
BJP leaders Nainar Nagendran and Tamilisai Soundararajan visit the injued admitted in the hospital on September 28, 2025.
A scene at Karur where an injured person is being rushed by emergency personnel to the Karur General Hospital.
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Others pointed to the absence of basic amenities. “There was no water, no shops open since morning. People fainted in the heat,” said G. Chitra. Residents also recalled children climbing electric posts and transformers to catch a glimpse of the actor, adding to the risk.
Some linked the tragedy to the timing. “Saturday evening is peak time in Karur, when textile workers receive their wages. The surge to see Vijay only added to the pressure,” said B. Balusamy.
Several criticised the police and the organisers. “Police are now everywhere, but at that time they did not save us. They have so many intelligence wings, yet they failed to predict this crowd. I saw bodies being carried in front of my eyes,” lamented Palanisamy of Velusamypuram.
Residents contrasted the rally with other political events. “Even the DMK held its Mupperum Vizha near the ring road, where there was space. Why bring such a crowd into a congested area?” asked K. Veeramani.
Published – September 28, 2025 09:30 am IST
