Karur (Tamil Nadu), Sept 27: A major tragedy struck actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s election rally in Karur on Friday night when heavy overcrowding led to a stampede-like situation. According to police and hospital sources, at least 31 people have died so far, including women and children, and more than 40 others have been admitted to nearby hospitals with injuries.Witnesses said the crowd had swelled far beyond capacity and chaos broke out after people surged forward to see the actor-politician.
Several fainted due to suffocation and many were trampled in the rush.Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed condolences to the bereaved families, announced ex-gratia compensation, and ordered an immediate probe into the incident. Police and rescue teams remain at the site and further details are awaited.