Tragic Stampede at Actor Vijay's Political Rally in Karur Claims 40 Lives: Security Tightened Amid Rising Tensions

Government sources stated that Vijay's supporters violated police guidelines at the rally in Karur

Chennai:

Security has been enhanced at actor-politician Vijay's residence in Chennai following a tragic stampede at his rally in Karur that resulted in 40 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to sources in the Tamil Nadu government.

Here are the top 10 developments in this major incident

Sources indicate that security has been increased at the TVK chief's home as "people's anger may turn" towards him. The state police have also been instructed to strengthen security for all TVK district secretaries.

The 51-year-old actor, whose party TVK is preparing for its electoral debut in next year's Tamil Nadu Assembly election, faces criticism after the deadly stampede.

The DMK-led state government has criticized the actor-politician regarding violations of guidelines at his rally that led to the tragedy. Government sources claim the organizers failed to make adequate arrangements for drinking water and food, causing people in the crowd to faint.

According to sources, Vijay arrived at the venue approximately 7 hours behind schedule. Men, women, and children had been gathering at the location since noon, but the actor only arrived after 7 pm. A crowd accompanied him into the already overcrowded venue.

Government sources reported that supporters violated police guidelines and followed his vehicle to approach the state

Sources claim that even while Vijay was speaking, some people collapsed, yet the speech continued and ambulances were denied entry to the venue. They also stated that Vijay departed for Trichy airport after the rally and flew to Chennai via private aircraft.

A TVK advocate has emphasized that the party adhered to all police guidelines at the rally. He mentioned that the tragedy has deeply affected Vijay, who cares deeply for the people of Tamil Nadu. Footage from the rally shows Vijay distributing water bottles to people in the crowd.

As disturbing images from the rally venue emerged, Vijay posted on X last night, "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."

Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin visited the injured at a hospital and met with families of the stampede victims. "The tears shed by the families of those who lost their lives throughout the night, and the pain caused by their grief-filled cries, have not left my heart," he stated in a post on X.

TVK's general secretary N Anand, joint general secretary Nirmal Kumar, and Karur West district secretary VP Mathiyazhagan now face police charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, among other sections. The state government has also ordered a judicial inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge.