Chennai – A massive political rally organized by Tamil actor and politician Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) turned tragic after a stampede broke out, killing at least 36 people and injuring dozens more. The incident, which unfolded late Sunday evening, has sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu and triggered a state-level investigation.
The rally, held in a packed ground on the outskirts of Chennai, drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters. According to eyewitnesses, the stampede occurred as crowds surged toward the main exit after Vijay’s address concluded. Panic spread quickly as people tripped and fell, leading to a deadly chain reaction in the congested area.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with ambulances ferrying the injured to nearby hospitals. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes of people trying to pull others out of the crush, while police struggled to bring the situation under control. Officials confirmed that many of the victims were women and elderly supporters who were caught in the stampede near the narrow exit gates.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced immediate compensation for the families of those killed and injured. “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We stand with the affected families in this hour of grief,” he said.
The state government has formed a high-level panel to investigate the causes of the stampede and assess whether lapses in crowd control and planning contributed to the disaster. Early reports suggest that overcrowding and inadequate exit management played a major role in the tragedy.
Vijay, who recently launched TVK as a political movement, canceled his upcoming events and visited the injured at a city hospital. In an emotional statement, he said, “I am heartbroken. This was supposed to be a moment of unity and hope. I will cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure justice for the victims.”
Political leaders from across the spectrum have expressed condolences and called for strict accountability. Opposition parties have demanded a detailed inquiry into crowd management failures and questioned whether proper safety protocols were followed.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over Vijay’s political debut, raising serious questions about event planning and security at large public gatherings. For many in Tamil Nadu, the night meant to be a celebration of political change ended in heartbreak and mourning.