CHENNAI, Sept 27: At least 39 people were killed and over 50 injured in a stampede at a rally held in Karur by Tamil actor Vijay, who is campaigning for election, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu said.
Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s actor has drawn massive crowds to his public meetings since launching his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024, which has targeted both the state ruling party DMK and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.
He is campaigning ahead of state elections that are to be held in early 2026.
During the rally, visuals showed Vijay throwing water bottles from the top of the vehicle to fainting supporters and calling for police help when the crowd became uncontrollable.
My heart is broken; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow," Vijay wrote on X. "I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for a speedy recovery for those who are undergoing treatment in the hospital."
Tamil Nadu has appointed a commission headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident and submit a report to the government, after which further action will be taken.
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