**Tragedy Strikes at Actor-Politician Vijay’s Roadshow in Karur: At Least 36 Dead in Stampede**
*Chennai:*
In one of the worst tragedies at a political roadshow in Tamil Nadu, at least 36 people, including several children, lost their lives following a stampede during actor-turned-politician Vijay’s roadshow in Karur on Saturday night. Over 50 others are undergoing treatment at the Karur Government General Hospital, with some in critical condition.
As of 10:30 pm, several unconscious children and adults were still being rushed to the hospital. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is en route to Karur to monitor the situation closely and is expected to arrive around 1 am.
Earlier, after chairing an emergency meeting at the Secretariat with senior ministers and officials, Stalin announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He also constituted a Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, a retired judge of the Madras High Court.
The tragedy has drawn widespread concern from national leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as various political party representatives. However, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor Vijay has yet to comment on the incident. Vijay left Karur by a special flight from Tiruchi shortly after the stampede.
**Hospital Overwhelmed as Death Toll Rises**
Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed that 29 individuals were brought dead to the Karur Government General Hospital, with over 50 others receiving treatment. Independent reports suggest the death toll may be as high as 33.
The hospital was overwhelmed with an influx of patients and distraught relatives. To handle the crisis, 24 doctors from the neighboring Tiruchi district and 20 doctors from Salem were dispatched to Karur.
Chief Minister Stalin expressed deep concern over the tragedy and directed Health Minister Ma Subramanian, School Education Minister, local legislators, and district officials to manage the situation on a war-footing basis. Stalin’s visit to Karur is scheduled for Sunday.
**Events Leading to the Stampede**
The stampede occurred between 7:30 pm and 8 pm when Vijay, Tamil cinema’s reigning superstar, arrived to address thousands of supporters and curious onlookers who had gathered since morning.
Vijay, founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has been conducting weekend roadshows across districts every Saturday. Saturday’s Karur event was his third such roadshow.
Although scheduled to speak at 3 pm, Vijay arrived only around 7:15 pm after traveling from Namakkal, where he had addressed a meeting earlier that day. Since his first roadshow in Tiruchi three weeks ago, massive crowds have gathered to catch a glimpse of the star-politician.
Despite the overwhelming numbers, there appeared to be no effective crowd control measures. Rather than instructing his party officials to regulate the large gatherings, Vijay seemed to enjoy the enthusiasm of his supporters as he made his way to the stage.
By the time Vijay arrived in Karur, many attendees were dehydrated. During his short speech, several people were reported to have suffocated and were rushed to waiting ambulances nearby. Vijay was seen distributing water bottles to the crowd.
**Aftermath and Response**
Shortly after Vijay concluded his speech and left the venue, chaotic scenes unfolded at the Government Hospital, with people carrying children and adults on stretchers. There were also distressing reports of children being separated from their parents in the melee.
Former Minister and local legislator Senthilbalaji, who has been a focal point of Vijay’s political campaign, was among the first to arrive at the hospital to oversee treatment efforts.
As investigations continue and support pours in for the victims’ families, authorities are working to provide relief and prevent such tragedies in the future. The Karur stampede remains a somber reminder of the risks posed by large, unregulated gatherings at political events.
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*We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/karur-stampede-at-vijays-roadshow-over-30-dead-cm-stalin-orders-emergency-response
