Tamil Nadu: Stampede at actor Vijay's rally leaves 31 dead; scores injured

Tamil Nadu: At least 31 people, including several children, were reportedly killed in a stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. A large number of people were also injured. The Health Minister stated that 29 people were brought in dead. It is being claimed that the death toll may rise after TVK chief Vijay was injured and fainted in the stampede at his Karur rally. State ministers, top administrative and police officials have arrived in Karur following the incident.

 Vijay interrupted his speech and began throwing water bottles from the campaign bus

Stampede at actor Vijay's rally

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Stalin has appealed to the public to cooperate with doctors and police following the accident in Karur. He also directed top police officials to take appropriate steps to restore normalcy in Karur. Chief Minister Stalin is expected to visit Karur tomorrow, Sunday.

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A stampede-like situation occurred at a rally led by Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Vijay on Saturday, and several people, including some children, fainted. While Vijay was addressing the rally, the crowd continued to grow and became uncontrollable. Several party workers, including some children, fell unconscious due to the crowd.

Several people, including party workers, fainted

Seeing people faint, several party workers began shouting. Vijay took notice, stopped his speech, and began throwing water bottles from the top of a specially prepared campaign bus.

However, due to the massive crowd, ambulances had difficulty reaching the scene. The unconscious people were taken to nearby hospitals, and some of them are reportedly fighting for their lives. Vijay realized the situation was spiraling out of control and cut his speech short.

CM Stalin's instructions to provide medical assistance

Regarding the stampede during a public meeting in Karur, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin posted on X, "The news coming from Karur is worrying. I have instructed former Minister V. Senthilbalaji, Minister Subramanian, and the District Collector to provide immediate medical care to those who fainted in the crowd and are hospitalized."

He further said, "I have also instructed Minister Anbil Mahesh of neighboring Tiruchirapalli district to provide all necessary assistance on a war footing. In addition, I have spoken to the ADGP to take immediate action to bring the situation under control there.

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