At least 31 people have died and over 50 others were injured on Saturday during a political rally organized by Tamil actor Vijay, who is campaigning for elections, local officials reported.
“Thirty-one people died and more than 50 are now hospitalized,” said V. Selvaraj, a senior police officer in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, where the incident occurred.
Large crowds had gathered for the event, part of Vijay’s tour for his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which he founded last year. The campaign began this month ahead of state elections scheduled for early next year, CNN reports via Sinjali.
State legislator Senthil Balaji told reporters that 58 people were hospitalized following what he described as a human stampede. He added that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will visit the area on Sunday.
“This tragic incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply painful,” stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Calls to the Tamil Nadu Health Ministry and CM Stalin’s office went unanswered.
“The news coming from Karur is concerning,” Stalin wrote on X, adding that he had instructed ministers and officials to provide immediate medical assistance for those injured during the rally and had sent additional aid from nearby Tiruchirappalli.
Media reports indicate that at least 44 doctors from neighboring districts Tiruchirappalli and Salem were sent to Karur to assist the wounded.
