Triple the crowd, half the security: Cops reveal lapses behind Vijay’s Karur rally deaths

Tamil Nadu’s police chief, G. Venkataraman, cited a seven-hour delay by actor-politician Vijay as a key factor in the deadly stampede at his Tamil Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur on Saturday.

The event, originally slated for 3 pm, saw Vijay arrive at 7:30 pm, leading to an “uncontrollable surge” of supporters. This surge, which resulted in 39 deaths and close to 100 injuries, was made worse by a severe mismatch in crowd management. The actual attendance of 27,000 people was nearly triple the 10,000 estimated by organisers, while only 500 police personnel were deployed.

“Earlier rallies of TVK had smaller crowds, but this time the turnout was far higher than expected,” Venkataraman said in a late night press conference.

The police chief pointed to logistical failures and an early social media announcement as factors in the tragedy. He stated that the TVK’s official X account caused an unexpected influx by declaring that Vijay would arrive at noon, even though the rally was officially permitted for 3 pm to 10 pm. This premature arrival and extended waiting time meant that the crowd endured hours under the hot sun without adequate food and water at the venue.

Footage from the venue showed thousands gathered around a large campaign vehicle, with Vijay standing atop it, addressing the crowd.

At one point, he was seen tossing water bottles to fainting fans and urgently calling for police backup as the situation spiralled out of control.

VIDEO | TVK leader Vijay pauses speech in Karur, distributes water to people, arranges for ambulance for those in the crowd feeling suffocated.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/uCBNuilCBZ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2025

Vijay “shattered” by Karur tragedy

Vijay, who’s been pulling massive crowds since launching TVK in 2024, said the Karur stampede left him “heartbroken” and in “unbearable pain,” calling it one of the darkest moments of his journey so far.

“My heart is broken; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow,” he wrote on X.

“I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” he added.

Vijay has been actively campaigning ahead of the Tamil Nadu state elections, scheduled for early 2026.

The recent tragedy has brought fresh attention to TVK’s rallies, which have repeatedly violated official restrictions. Despite a ban on roadshows, Vijay’s travel to venues often turned into large processions, with hundreds of party workers joining his convoy.

Courts had earlier warned about such risks and placed responsibility on both Vijay and the police for maintaining order.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a commission, led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan, to investigate the incident. The probe will look into whether the police underestimated the crowd size or if Vijay’s late arrival was a planned move to draw bigger crowds. Meanwhile, Stalin said the families of those who died in the stampede at will get Rs 10 lakh each, and those who were injured will receive Rs 1 lakh.