Police File Case Against Vijay’s Party After Rally Stampede Kills 39 in Tamil Nadu

Indian police have opened a criminal case against senior leaders of Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party after a stampede at one of his campaign rallies left at least 39 people dead and more than 50 others injured.

The incident occurred on September 27 in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, during a gathering organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party ahead of the state elections scheduled for early 2026. Among the victims were children, authorities confirmed.

According to senior police official V. Selvaraj, the case has been filed against TVK leaders Bussy Anand, Nirmal Kumar, and V.P. Mathiyalagan as part of an ongoing investigation. “TVK originally sought permission for a gathering of 10,000 people, but the actual crowd was more than double,” Selvaraj said.

Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Vijay, has been one of Tamil cinema’s most celebrated actors for three decades. Since launching TVK in 2024, he has attracted massive crowds at his political events. Following the tragedy, Vijay said he was “heartbroken” and pledged full support to the victims’ families.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced compensation of 1 million rupees (about S$14,700) for each bereaved family. The state government has also set up a commission headed by a retired judge to investigate the causes of the stampede and recommend safety measures for future political gatherings.