At least 29 people were killed and around 50 others injured during a political rally held by Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, according to The Hindu, which cited state Health Minister Ma. Subramanian.
The tragic incident occurred as massive crowds gathered for the event, which was part of Vijay’s state-wide tour promoting his recently launched political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, ahead of Tamil Nadu’s state elections scheduled for early next year.
In response to the emergency, at least 44 doctors were dispatched from the nearby districts of Tiruchirappalli and Salem to provide medical assistance in Karur, the report added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling the incident “deeply saddening.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also addressed the tragedy in a statement on X, saying, “The news coming from Karur is worrying.”
He added that he had directed state ministers and officials to ensure immediate medical care for those affected and to mobilize additional resources from neighboring districts.
Attempts to contact the state health ministry and the Chief Minister’s office for further comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
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