Sometimes distributing bottles, sometimes pleading for help... Vijay kept shouting among the suffering people

National news:  A major tragedy struck Tamil Nadu's Karur on Saturday at an election rally attended by Tamil Nadu's Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician Vijay Rupani. Thirty-one people, including women and children, were confirmed dead when the crowd went out of control and a stampede ensued. Several dozen people were injured, some of whom were reported to be in critical condition.

People faint due to heat and humidity

The incident occurred while Vijay was addressing supporters from his campaign bus. As the crowd grew, the heat and humidity caused many people to faint. As a stampede developed, Vijay interrupted his speech and appealed to supporters to make way for an ambulance. He personally threw bottles of water to help those unconscious in the crowd. Meanwhile, news of a 9-year-old girl's disappearance also surfaced, prompting Vijay to immediately seek police assistance.

Local MLA and former minister Senthil Balaji said that 46 of the injured were admitted to a private hospital and 12 to a government hospital. The administration and police responded, but the initial chaos worsened the situation. Doctors say most of the deaths were due to suffocation and pressure. Videos and photos circulating on social media show thousands of people packed on both sides of the road, while Vijay's campaign bus was passing through. The limited space and the pressure of the crowd made the accident even more horrific.

Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh expressed condolences

The accident sparked political activity at the state and central levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep condolences and extended sympathies to the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed officials to ensure immediate relief and medical care.

The Karur administration admitted that the organizers had only obtained permission for 10,000 people, but due to Vijay's popularity, approximately 50,000 people gathered. Due to the limited capacity of the venue, crowd management failed, leading to this tragedy. Questions are now being raised about why adequate arrangements were not made for such a large rally and why security measures were lacking.

This incident has brought a serious challenge not only to the politics of Tamil Nadu but also to Vijay's party TVK, as it has raised questions on public safety and organizing capacity.