Tragedy at Vijay’s Karur Rally
A massive political rally organized by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the party led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, turned into a tragedy in Karur yesterday. What was meant to be a show of strength for the party ended in devastation as a stampede killed 39 people and left nearly a hundred others injured. The incident has triggered widespread anger, political debate, and police action against senior functionaries of the newly formed political outfit.
Senior Leaders Named in Police Case
Among those booked is N Anand, better known as Bussy Anand, the general secretary of TVK and a close aide of Vijay. Anand, a former MLA from Puducherry representing the Bussy constituency, is widely regarded as the party’s number two after Vijay himself. Alongside him, TVK joint general secretary C.T. Nirmal Kumar, Karur West district secretary Mathiyazhagan, and three others have also been named in the First Information Report (FIR).
The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash or negligent conduct endangering human life, and disobedience to orders issued by a public servant. In addition, they have been booked under provisions of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act.
At least 39 are dead and 51 were injured today in a stampede at a political rally for Vijay, a known movie star and budding politician in Tamil Nadu, India.
This just confirms my Schoolboy's Theory of History: it's just one damn thing after another. pic.twitter.com/ZiSVXjPiE3
— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) September 28, 2025
State Government’s Sharp Criticism
The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has sharply criticized TVK’s handling of the rally, highlighting serious lapses in crowd management. According to official sources, there was inadequate provision of drinking water and food despite the soaring temperatures, leaving many attendees fainting in the crowd.
Adding to the chaos, Vijay reportedly arrived at the venue seven hours later than scheduled. Supporters had started gathering from noon, but the actor-politician only reached around 7 p.m. When he entered, accompanied by a large entourage, the already congested venue spiraled out of control.
Collapses During Speech Ignored
Eyewitnesses and government sources claim that even as Vijay began addressing the rally, several people collapsed due to suffocation and exhaustion. Despite this, the speech continued uninterrupted for some time. Reports further allege that ambulances were initially prevented from entering the venue, worsening the crisis for those in need of urgent medical attention.
After the speech, Vijay is said to have left the rally venue and traveled to Trichy airport before flying to Chennai in a private aircraft.
TVK’s Defense of Arrangements
In response to the mounting criticism, TVK has denied responsibility for the tragedy. An advocate representing the party insisted that the rally was organized in compliance with police guidelines. He further added that the devastating incident had deeply shaken Vijay, who holds immense affection for the people of Tamil Nadu.
Party supporters have echoed the sentiment, urging critics not to politicize the tragedy while emphasizing that TVK leaders are cooperating with the investigation.
Political Fallout
The incident has inevitably fueled political rivalries in Tamil Nadu. With Vijay’s recent entry into politics being closely watched, opposition parties have pointed to the tragedy as evidence of inexperience and poor organization by TVK’s leadership. The DMK has taken a hard line, stressing that public safety was compromised for political spectacle.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK and BJP have cautiously criticized TVK, balancing condemnation with sympathy for the victims. Political analysts believe the stampede could dent Vijay’s image at a crucial juncture, though his personal popularity among fans remains strong.
Investigations Underway
Police teams have begun a detailed investigation into the lapses that led to the stampede. Crowd-control measures, security deployment, and coordination between the organizers and the police are under review. Authorities are also probing whether deliberate violations of prescribed norms contributed to the disaster.
Legal experts suggest that the charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder carry serious consequences for those named, though a prolonged legal battle is expected. Families of the victims have demanded accountability and adequate compensation.
A Dark Chapter in Tamil Nadu Politics
What was intended to project Vijay as a serious contender in the state’s political landscape has instead cast a long shadow over his party’s image. While the actor’s popularity ensures that his political journey is far from over, the Karur tragedy will remain a painful reminder of the consequences of poor planning and crowd mismanagement. For the grieving families, the legal and political battles that follow offer little comfort compared to the lives lost in the stampede.
