36 killed at Indian actor-politician Vijay’s rally

At least 36 people were killed and more than 50 injured yesterday at a rally held by Tamil actor Vijay, who is campaigning for election, state officials said.

"Thirty-one people died with more than 50 people now hospitalised," said V Selvaraj, a senior police official in the district of Karur in Tamil Nadu, where the incident occurred. Later the death toll was revised up to 36.

Large crowds had gathered for the meeting, part of Vijay's ongoing state tour for his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Vijay, who is a well-known actor and goes by only one name, launched a political party last year and began campaigning this month ahead of state elections that are to be held early next year.

Visuals shared online showed a huge crowd as thousands of people were seen on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician, while his campaign vehicle crawled through the middle of the street.

The crowd kept swelling and became uncontrollable, which led to chaos.

According to sources, Vijay ended his speech ahead of the scheduled time. As the crowd grew increasingly dense, several people and children reportedly fainted after which Vijay halted his address and called for maintaining calm.

State lawmaker Senthil Balaji told reporters that 58 people were hospitalised after what he said was a stampede. He added that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will visit the area today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives, calling the incident "deeply saddening." He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, wished them strength in this difficult time, and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

"The news coming from Karur is worrying," amil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin  said in an X post, adding that he had directed ministers and officials to provide urgent medical aid to those who collapsed at the Karur rally and ordered additional assistance from nearby Tiruchirappalli.

At least 44 doctors from the nearby districts of Tiruchirappalli and Salem were sent to Karur, media reports said.