Political Rally Crush Kills at Least 39 in Southern India

September 28, 2025 1:02 PM

Political Rally Crush Kills at Least 39 in Southern India

At least 39 people, including children and women, have died in a crush that occurred at a political campaign rally in the Karur district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday.

Incident Details and Casualties

The Event: Tens of thousands of supporters had gathered for a campaign event hosted by actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
The Crush: The event was delayed by several hours, and the crowd—which far exceeded the permitted capacity—grew restless. The crush and stampede began around 7:40 PM IST when sections of the crowd surged towards the stage and the barricades near Vijay’s campaign vehicle. Witnesses reported people fainting and a sudden wave of panic that led to others being trampled.
Death Toll: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed that the death toll includes at least 17 women, 13 men, and nine children. A further 51 people are receiving treatment in the hospital.
Victim’s Family Account: One man outside a hospital shared his grief with news agency ANI, stating that his elder brother’s son had died, the younger one was missing, and his sister-in-law was in the Intensive Care Unit.

Response and Inquiry

Compensation: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that a compensation of one million rupees $($11, 300; £ 8, 400)$ will be provided to the families of the deceased.
Inquiry Ordered: Stalin ordered an inquiry into the incident, which has already drawn criticism regarding poor planning, inadequate security, and a lack of proper crowd management.
Political Reaction:
- Vijay wrote in an online statement that his heart was “shattered,” expressing “unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow” and sending his deepest condolences to the families.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening” in a post on X.

Deadly crowd crushes are a recurring tragedy in India, with similar incidents having occurred this year alone, including at the famous Kumbh Mela Hindu festival and outside a cricket stadium.