Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed that 39 people lost their lives in the incident — 13 men, 17 women, four boys, and five girls.
Published Sep 28, 2025 | 9:04 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 28, 2025 | 9:04 AM
Injured people receiving treatment at the hospital
Synopsis: The Tamil Nadu police registered a case against several people, including TVK Karur West District Secretary VP Mathiyazhagan, following the stampede during a meeting attended by party chief Vijay.
The Tamil Nadu police registered a case against several people, including Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Karur West District Secretary VP Mathiyazhagan, following the stampede during a meeting attended by party chief Vijay on Saturday, 27 September, which claimed 39 lives so far.
It has been reported that a case has been registered under four sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide and endangering public safety.
Early on Sunday, Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed that 39 people lost their lives in the incident — 13 men, 17 women, four boys, and five girls.
Following the incident, Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (in-charge) G Venkataraman addressed the media, stating that the unexpectedly large gathering, far exceeding the anticipated numbers, led to the tragedy.
Late on Saturday, Vijay expressed condolences and said the pain was unbearable.
“My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said in a post on X.
Stalin said a one-person commission has been set up under retired high court judge Aruna Jagadeesan to inquire into the incident. “I do not wish to speak with any political motive,” he said.
When asked whether Vijay would be arrested, the chief minister replied that action would be taken based on the findings of the commission’s report. The government has also announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh each to the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, Karur District Collector M Thangavel said that 38 people among the 39 deceased have been identified. It is to be noted that several families have lost more than one member following the tragedy.
According to officials, 111 people are currently under 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 estimates, more than 50,000 people converged at the ground, which led to the stampede. Even as Vijay started speaking, the crowd surged forward for a better glimpse of the actor-politician. In the melee, several people swooned, and children were parted from their guardians.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
