Though Vijay has been drawing massive crowds, the one at Karur was much more than those at Trichy, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Namakkal.
Published Sep 28, 2025 | 12:24 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 28, 2025 | 1:12 PM
TVK chief Thalapathy Vijay. Credit: x.com/TVKHQITWingOffl
Synopsis: TVK chief Vijay expressed grief over the tragic stampede at a Karur event on 27 September, claiming 39 lives, including six children. Over 50,000 attendees overwhelmed preparations, causing chaos. Vijay pledged Rs 20 lakh for deceased kin and Rs 2 lakh for the injured, vowing TVK’s support for recovery and assistance ahead of Tamil Nadu’s 2026 elections.
TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) chief Vijay offered condolences and expressed deep shock over the tragic loss of 39 lives due to stampede at the Karur event on 27 September. The actor-turned-politician has promised to “stand by the victims” and announced an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh to the kin of the deceased. He also vowed to compensate each injured with Rs 2 lakh financial assistance.
Vijay’s X post read: “In a way that defies imagination, thinking about what happened in Karur yesterday, my heart and mind are overwhelmed with profound heaviness. In the midst of the immense grief of losing our loved ones, I am at a loss for words to express the pain my heart endures. My eyes and mind are clouded with sorrow.”
என் நெஞ்சில் குடியிருக்கும் அனைவருக்கும் வணக்கம்.
கற்பனைக்கும் எட்டாத வகையில், கரூரில் நேற்று நிகழ்ந்ததை நினைத்து, இதயமும் மனதும் மிகமிகக் கனத்துப் போயிருக்கும் சூழல். நம் உறவுகளை இழந்து தவிக்கும் பெருந்துயர்மிகு மனநிலையில், என் மனம் படுகிற வேதனையை எப்படிச் சொல்வதென்றே…
— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 28, 2025
“This is indeed an irreparable loss for us. No matter who offers words of comfort, the loss of our loved ones is unbearable. Yet, as a member of your family, I intend to provide 20 lakh rupees to each family that has lost a loved one and 2 lakh rupees to those who are injured and receiving treatment. This amount is, of course, not significant in the face of such a loss. Still, at this moment, it is my duty as one who belongs to your family to stand by you with a heavy heart.”
“Likewise, I pray to God that all our loved ones who are injured and undergoing treatment recover swiftly and return home. I also assure you that our Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will steadfastly provide all necessary support to our loved ones under treatment,” the post concluded.
The crowd at the TVK event at the Lighthouse Roundana — or Uzhavar Sandhai Grounds — at Velumchamypuram in Karur was so unprecedented that it even overwhelmed the organisers. As many as 39 people, including six children, were killed in the stampede. Several are undergoing treatment.
The TVK headquarters had informed the district police that it was expecting only around 10,000 people to attend the meeting. The party also assured in writing that it would make the necessary arrangements and sought the police permission to hold the meeting.
However, according to preliminary reports, more than 50,000 people attended the event, leading to a major stampede. Even as Vijay started speaking, the crowd surged forward for a better glimpse of the Kollywood megastar-turned-politician. In the melee, several people swooned, and children were parted from their guardians.
Though Vijay stopped his brief speech multiple times, the crowd could not be managed. The surge of crowd led to several people suffocating and gasping for breath.
The TVK had earlier urged women not to bring children to the event. However, the appeal went unheeded. Among those killed in the stampede were, unfortunately, children. Parents wailing at the lifeless bodies of their children at Karur general hospital marked this gut-wrenching tragedy.
Though rallies attended by Vijay have been drawing crowds, the one at Karur was much more than those at Trichy, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Namakkal.
The event was part of Vijay’s public outreach programme, rolled out ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The programme was being conducted every Saturday.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
