At least 39 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a stampede at actor Vijays political rally in the southern state of Tamil Nadu

At least 39 people died and more than 50 were injured in a stampede at a political rally led by actor Vijay in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday. The incident happened in Karur district during a campaign event for his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has ordered a judicial probe into the deadly stampede, and announced aid for the families of the deceased victims. "So far, 39 people have died, including 13 men, 17 women, 4 boys, and 5 girls - while 51 people, including 26 men and 25 women, are receiving intensive treatment," Stalin told reporters.

Videos of the ill-fated event show thousands of people surrounding a campaign vehicle, with Vijay standing on top, addressing the crowd. In the clips, he eventually resorts to throwing water bottles to fainting supporters and calling for police help.

Authorities said emergency teams were deployed quickly following the stampede. Hospitals in the district continue to treat dozens of injured people, with many reported to be in serious condition.

Following the incident, the 51-year-old actor-turned-politician expressed his grief on social media. "I am at a loss for words to express the pain my heart endures. My eyes and mind are clouded with sorrow. The faces of all of you whom I have met keep flashing through my mind," he wrote on X.

Vijay, one of India's top stars, launched the TVK party in 2024 and has since drawn massive crowds at his public appearances. For over three decades, he has been one of the most bankable actors in Tamil cinema, with a devoted fan following that has translated into large political rallies since his formal entry into politics.

The actor is now preparing for the state elections expected in early 2026, with his party seen as challenging both Stalin's ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The state government has criticized the actor-politician for violating guidelines at his rally, which is what led the tragedy, according to an NDTV report. The outlet cited official sources as claiming that the organizers had failed to provide necessary arrangements for drinking water and food, causing people in the crowd to faint.

Two leaders of the TVK party, including a close aide to Vijay, have reportedly been named in a police case filed after the incident. Hindustan Times quotes the state's top police official, G. Venkataraman, who noted that the TVK leader arrived over seven hours later than announced by his party, further complicating the situation.

(RT.com)