Crowd surge at TVK Vijay rally in Karur: 38 dead, CM Stalin announces judicial probe, Rs 10 lakh aid

The death toll in the crowd surge at the TVK rally in Karur has increased to 38. The victims include six children, nine men and 16 women. The victims died after collapsing in a crowd surge during a rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. A massive crowd had gathered for the meeting, part of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s ongoing state tour. Several people fainted in the rush and were rushed to the Karur Medical College Hospital and nearby private hospitals. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin ordered a judicial probe and announced a commission to be headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The CM also announced Rs 10 lakh aid to the families of the deceased, and Rs 1 lakh for all those injured. Stalin also directed the collectors of Tiruchi, Salem, and Dindigul to go to Karur and co-ordinate relief works.

“I will personally visit Karur tonight to console the bereaved families and meet those injured who are undergoing treatment in hospitals,” Stalin added.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian had earlier confirmed that at least 29 people were dead and 50 persons were undergoing treatment at various hospitals. For proper treatment of the injured, 24 doctors from Tiruchi and 20 doctors from Salem were being mobilised to Karur.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM MK Stalin and Governor RN Ravi to take stock of the situation following the tragedy in Karur and promised all necessary support.

Also Read: ‘Heart shattered, writhing in unbearable pain and sorrow’: Vijay expresses condolences after Karur tragedy

In a post on X, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said news from Karur was concerning. Stalin said he had instructed former Minister V. Senthilbalaji, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian and the District Collector to ensure immediate treatment for the people who were caught in the crowd surge.

“I have also ordered the minister from Tiruchi, Anbil Mahesh, to extend help on a war footing,” he said in the tweet.

CM Stalin said he had also spoken to the ADGP to take measures to ensure normalcy returns soon. He also requested the public and doctors to extend co-operation to the public. The CM appealed to the general public in Karur to cooperate with doctors and police.He said he has instructed top police officials to take appropriate steps to restore normalcy in Karur.

CM MK Stalin was holding an urgent meeting at the secretariat in Chennai after the tragedy at Karur rally.

Visuals shared online showed a huge crowd as thousands of people were seen on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician, while his campaign vehicle crawled through the middle of the street.

The crowd kept swelling and became uncontrollable, which led to chaos.

Deeply saddening incident, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the Karur crowd surge during Vijay’s political rally, calling the incident “deeply saddening.” He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, wished them strength in this difficult time, and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Earlier, Karur Medical College hospital dean R. Shanthimalar told The Hindu, “As of now, seven adults and three children have died. More cases are coming in, and ambulances are still arriving. We need more time to compile the complete details.”

Vijay ended his speech ahead of the scheduled time.

DMK minister Senthil Balaji and the district collector visited the hospital to assess the situation.

As the crowd grew increasingly dense, several people and children reportedly fainted after which Vijay halted his address and called for maintaining calm.

This rally was part of Vijay’s ongoing statewide tour ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Authorities and event organisers were able to restore order following the incident.