Karur, Tamil Nadu: Officials verified that a huge crowd surge at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s “Velicham Veliyeru” event in Karur district on Saturday night caused a terrible stampede that killed at least 31 people and hurt almost 40 more. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian claimed that 16 women, nine men, and six children died.
There were thousands of people at Velusamypuram on the Karur–Erode route, significantly more than the allowed 30,000. Estimates say that about 60,000 people came to the event. Around 7:45 pm, people suddenly rushed toward the stage, causing panic, suffocation, and trampling, according to witnesses.
“We came to see Vijay sir, but all we are taking back is silence,” said a mother who lost her 12-year-old daughter.
It was hard for volunteers and police to keep the gathering in check. Vijay stopped talking, gave out water, and asked the police for help finding the missing kids. Ambulances had a hard time getting past the crowded arena, and several injured people were sent to Karur District Headquarters Hospital, while others were sent to medical colleges in Erode and Tiruchirappalli.
Investigation and Help Steps
A magistrate has ordered an investigation to go over video evidence and witness statements. Tamil Nadu ministers said that the families of the dead will get ₹5 lakh and the injured would get ₹50,000, although this was still subject to final clearance. On Sunday, Chief Minister MK Stalin is slated to go to Karur.
Responses from Politicians
Leaders of the AIADMK and BJP accused the DMK administration and TVK of being careless. TVK leaders said they were sad but stood by their plans, saying they obeyed police orders.
Meaning and Context
The event was part of Vijay’s plan to strengthen TVK’s grassroots networks before the Tamil Nadu assembly elections in 2026. Vijay’s ascension has created a third political axis in the state, which was previously dominated by the DMK and AIADMK. Millions of people know him as “Thalapathy.”
Experts say that Tamil Nadu has a long history of political demonstrations headed by celebrities that often draw huge audiences, sometimes with deadly results. Past events, including Jayalalithaa’s Kumbakonam rally in 2004 and the Pudukottai Jallikattu stampede in 2019, show that safety is always a problem.