Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief as at least 31 people, including children, were killed in a stampede during TVK chief Vijay's rally on Saturday in Karur.

As the evening crowd swelled, the narrow streets became dangerously overcrowded. Despite Vijay’s earlier appeal urging children and the elderly to watch his campaign from home, several families turned up in large numbers. The congestion led to severe suffocation and fainting among attendees, with many collapsing on the spot.

Former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji confirmed 31 casualties while 58 people have been admitted. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow on loss of lives and wished speedy recovery for the injured.

"The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured," Modi said in a post on X. 

TVK Rally Stampede: Updates

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with CM Stalin and the Governor of Tamil Nadu to take stock of the situation. He also assured them to provide all support from the Central government if required, reported ANI.
  • Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin held an urgent meeting in Chennai over the stampede. Earlier, he expressed concern over the incident, and will visit Karur on Sunday to meet the victims and take stock of the situation. 
  • The Chief Minister's Office announced a financial compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of those who lost their lives. 
  • A Commission of Inquiry headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will be constituted to investigate the incident, the CMO announced.
  • Doctors from  Namakkal and Selam districts have been called to Karur, and private hospitals have been advised not to charge for admission, Balaji said while speaking to reporters in Karur. As of now, 46 persons are in a private hospital, and 12 persons are admitted to a government hospital for treatment.
  • Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said he has instructed party volunteers to form a human chain and coordinate in providing assistance. 
  • President Droupadi Murmu expressed anguish and extended "deepest condolences" to the bereaved family members and said she prayed for early recovery of those injured.
  • Governor RN Ravi expressed condolences to the families of victims who died in the stampede. "Deeply pained and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives, including children, during a political rally in Karur. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this time of grief and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured," read the post by Raj Bhavan on X. 
  • Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he was deeply distressed by the news of stampede that claimed several lives. He urged party workers "to provide every possible assistance to the victims and their families and work alongside the authorities in relief and prompt medical assistance."