Actors Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth Express Grief Over Karur Stampede Deaths: ‘It Shakes My Heart’

Last Updated:September 27, 2025, 23:22 IST

The tragedy occurred when a stampede broke out during Vijay’s rally, forcing the actor-turned-politician to halt his speech as several attendees fainted amid severe overcrowding

Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan | File Image

Tamil cinema icons Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth on Saturday expressed shock and grief over the stampede during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s campaign rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which left at least 38 people, including women and children, dead.

The tragedy occurred when a stampede broke out during Vijay’s rally, forcing the actor-turned-politician to halt his speech as several attendees, including party workers and children, fainted amid severe overcrowding.

“The news of the loss of innocent lives in the incident that occurred in Karur shakes the heart and causes immense grief. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Comfort to those who were injured,” said Rajinikanth in an X post.

Kamal Haasan wrote, “My heart trembles. The news coming from Karur brings shock and sorrow. I am at a loss for words to express my deepest condolences to the innocent people who lost their lives trapped in the crowd congestion. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that those rescued from the congestion receive proper treatment and that those affected receive appropriate relief.”

Officials said the permit for the rally had anticipated a turnout of 10,000, but nearly 50,000 people had gathered at the 1.2 lakh square feet venue.

DMK leader Senthil Balaji and the district collector rushed to hospitals to assess the situation as emergency services treated the injured.

Chief Minister MK Stalin called the incident “worrying” on social media and said he had instructed officials to provide immediate medical care.

Stalin added that he had coordinated with Senthil Balaji, Health Minister Subramanian, the district collector, and senior police officials, and had directed Minister Anbil Mahesh from Tiruchirappalli to provide additional assistance.

He urged the public to cooperate with medical teams and said he is expected to visit Karur on Sunday.

“The news coming from Karur is worrying. I have called former Minister V Senthilbalaji and Minister Subramanian Ma, and the District Collector to provide immediate treatment to the civilians who have fainted due to the crowd and have been admitted to the hospital. I have also ordered the Minister from the nearby Trichy district, Anbil Mahesh, to provide necessary assistance on a war footing. I have also spoken to the ADGP there to take steps to improve the situation as soon as possible. I request the public to cooperate with the doctors and the police,” Stalin said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident, calling it “deeply saddening.”

“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” Modi said in a post on X.

The stampede unfolded while Vijay was delivering a speech in which he indirectly targeted former DMK minister Senthil Balaji, criticising the party for initially promising to establish an airport in Karur before urging the Centre to take up the project instead.

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