Condolences poured in from across the country over the tragic stampede at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief Vijay's rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, where at least 38 people were killed and more than 60 others injured on Saturday.
The tragedy occurred when a section of the huge crowd surged forward as Vijay was addressing his supporters.
Several people collapsed in the crush before rescue teams and ambulances could move in.
BJP President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, in a post on X, said he was "deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic stampede in Karur district of Tamil Nadu".
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. "May God grant courage and strength to all those impacted by this tragedy," he wrote.
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic stampede in Karur district, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May God grant courage and strength to all those impacted by this tragedy.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 27, 2025
Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was "heartbroken by the tragic stampede in Karur".
Offering prayers for the stampede victims, she urged Congress workers in the region to assist the injured and help the aggrieved families alongside the state authorities.
Heartbroken by the tragic stampede in Karur, TN.
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) September 27, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. May they find strength in this difficult time, and may the injured recover soon.
I urge all Congress workers in the region to…
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed shock and sorrow, calling it an "unfortunate and tragic stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, which claimed the lives of several innocent people".
He extended condolences and urged Congress workers to ensure timely relief and medical assistance.
Deeply distressed by the unfortunate and tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which claimed the lives of several innocent people.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 27, 2025
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We pray for the swift…
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said he was "deeply anguished to hear about the tragic accident in Karur", and prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to their families.
"Om Shanti," he wrote in his message on X.
Deeply anguished to hear about the tragic accident in Karur, Tamil Nadu. This saddening incident has snatched away precious lives.
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 27, 2025
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May Prabhu Shri Ram give them strength and peace to the departed souls. Prayers for the…
President Droupadi Murmu has expressed deep anguish over the "loss of lives" in a stampede during actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay's rally at Karur in Tamil Nadu, that killed at least 38 people.
"Anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives in a stampede-like unfortunate incident in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured," President Murmu said in a post on X late Saturday.
Anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives in a stampede-like unfortunate incident in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 27, 2025
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi also conveyed his grief, describing the loss of innocent lives, including children, as "deeply pained and anguished." In a statement, he said, "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this time of grief and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier said the news of the deaths was "deeply saddening," extending support and prayers for the families and the injured.
The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, describing the tragedy as "heartbreaking," offered his condolences and wished the injured a quick recovery.
Deeply anguished by the tragic accident at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The loss of innocent lives is truly heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 27, 2025
Former Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) called the incident "shocking and painful," urging the Tamil Nadu government to ensure compensation and full medical assistance to the victims.
Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Haasan said, "My heart trembles... I urge the government to ensure that those rescued from the congestion receive proper treatment and relief."
நெஞ்சு பதைக்கிறது. கரூரிலிருந்து வரும் செய்திகள் பேரதிர்ச்சியையும் வேதனையையும் அளிக்கின்றன. கூட்ட நெரிசலில் சிக்கி உயிரிழந்த அப்பாவி மக்களுக்கு என் ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கலைத் தெரிவிக்கவும் வார்த்தைகளின்றித் திகைக்கிறேன்.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 27, 2025
நெரிசலிலிருந்து மீட்கப்பட்டவர்களுக்கு உரிய சிகிச்சையும்,…
Superstar Rajinikanth too wrote on X, "The news of the loss of innocent lives shakes the heart and causes immense grief. My deepest condolences to the families."
கரூரில் நிகழ்ந்திருக்கும் அப்பாவி மக்களின் உயிரிழப்புச் செய்தி நெஞ்சை உலுக்கி மிகவும் வேதனையளிக்கிறது.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) September 27, 2025
உயிரிழந்தோரின் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு என் ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்கள். காயமடைந்தோருக்கு ஆறுதல்கள்.#Karur #Stampede
Tamil Nadu Congress leaders expressed sorrow and called on party workers to help the injured and their families.
Tamil Nadu BJP former state president K Annamalai criticised the DMK government and state police, demanding a deeper probe into the failure of crowd control and emergency response.
According to police sources, TVK had sought permission for a roadshow in Karur and, in a letter dated September 25, stated it expected only 10,000 people.
However, the turnout reportedly far exceeded this estimate. The letter had included an engineer's plan saying the venue could hold up to 60,000, but the actual crowd swelled beyond control, leading to the tragic crush.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a judicial probe into the incident and Rs 10 lakh as financial compensation to each bereaved family, along with Rs 1 lakh for the injured victims.
He directed senior Ministers and top officials to oversee rescue and treatment of the victims and is expected to meet survivors and families of the deceased in Karur.
Rescue and medical teams continue to work at the Karur Government Hospital and other facilities where many victims are under critical care.
The death toll may rise as some injured remain in intensive care unit.
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