At least 31 dead, over 50 injured at Indian actor-politician Vijay’s rally

At least 36 people were killed and more than 50 were hurt on Saturday at a rally where Tamil actor Vijay is running for office, according to state officials.

Eight children and 16 women were among the 36 people who died in Tamil Nadu’s district of Karur, according to Tamil Nadu’s chief minister MK Stalin, at a political rally organized by Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

As part of Vijay’s ongoing state campaign against his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, large crowds gathered for the meeting.

Vijay, a well-known actor by the name of “the one person,” founded a political party last year and began campaigning this month in advance of state elections scheduled for the beginning of the year.

Senthil Balaji, a state representative, reported to reporters that 58 people had been taken to the hospital as a result of what he claimed had been a stampede. MK Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, will visit the area on Sunday, he added.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “The unfortunate incident occurred during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening.”

Since founding his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024, which has targeted both the state-governing party DMK and Bharatiya Janata Party under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s most financially successful actors for three decades, has attracted large crowds to his public meetings. In early 2026, he is running for state office.

Local media footage shows thousands of people circling a sizable campaign vehicle, which Vijay can be seen standing and saying.

Vijay reportedly threw water bottles from the top of the car to fainting supporters during the rally and demanded police intervention when the crowd became too large.

On X, Vijay wrote, “My heart is broken, I am in intolerable, indescribable pain and sorrow.”

According to reports in the media, at least 44 doctors from Tiruchirappalli and Salem, both of which are close by, were stationed in Karur.

An inquiry panel has been established in Stalin’s administration, which will give the families of the victims who died in the incident 1 million Indian rupees ($11, 280).

Safety concerns have been raised at Vijay’s rallies before. Following his political party’s first meeting, which was held in October of last year, at least six deaths were reported by the media.