Over 150 Injured, 38 Dead as Actor-Turned-Politician’s Rally Turns Deadly in India.

Over 150 Injured, 38 Dead as Actor-Turned-Politician’s Rally Turns Deadly in India.

Around the world

The news as it trends.

A tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, claimed the lives of 38 people, including women and children, and left over 150 injured.

The event was organized by Thalapathy Vijay, a popular Tamil film actor who recently entered politics as the leader of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party.

Tens of thousands had gathered to hear Vijay speak.

Chaos erupted when supporters climbed a tree for a better view.

The branches gave way, sending people crashing into the tightly packed crowd below and triggering widespread panic.

The turnout far exceeded expectations, overwhelming security measures.

Vijay, who arrived late to the rally, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying his heart was “shattered.” Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister has announced compensation for the victims’ families.

The incident has sparked urgent conversations about crowd control and safety protocols at political events in India.

Thalapathy Vijay is one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars. He launched TVK in 2024, positioning himself as a challenger to both the ruling DMK party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP.

His rallies often draw massive crowds, and his speeches focus on anti-corruption, youth empowerment, and clean governance.

Vijay is now TVK’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2026 Tamil Nadu state elections.

While he is not running against Prime Minister Modi, his party has made it clear that it will not align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—India’s largest political party, known for its Hindu nationalist ideology and conservative policies.

His political rise is being closely watched—especially in the wake of this devastating incident.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Yetunde Babajide (@yetundebabajide1)