A massive tragedy struck Tamil Nadu’s Karur on Saturday (September 27), when a stampede at a campaign rally for actor-turned-politician Vijay claimed at least 39 lives, including those of 17 women and 10 children. Dozens more sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.

Eyewitnesses said the stampede occurred shortly after Vijay began his address, with the chaos unfolding in less than 10 minutes.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the situation escalated when more than a dozen people perched on a tree branch fell onto the crowd below, triggering panic.

“There were strict instructions not to follow his vehicle from one place to another, as Karur already had an overwhelming crowd. The people there were waiting for him from the morning, even though he arrived late at around 7 pm. When the huge crowd followed his vehicle also joined the Karur crowd, it went beyond all control. There was an absolute lack of management,” a source closely associated with Vijay’s outstation campaigns told the newspaper.

In the aftermath, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin rushed to Karur, met the bereaved families, and announced compensation of Rs. 10 lakh each. He also ordered an inquiry, appointing a one-member committee under retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident.

On being asked whether Vijay would be arrested, Stalin said that any action would depend on the committee’s findings.

Reports noted that Vijay continued speaking at the rally, seemingly unaware of the unfolding disaster, even as ambulances pushed through the crowd. He later left the stage and travelled back to Chennai. He was briefed about the deaths only when he stopped in Trichy to board a flight. Since the incident, Vijay has not spoken publicly.

Tamil Nadu DGP G. Venkataraman said that Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), had sought permission for the Karur rally, estimating a crowd of 10,000. Based on previous rallies, around 500 police personnel were deployed.