A public rally by actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, ended in tragedy as a massive stampede claimed 36 lives, including women and children, and left many others injured. Officials revealed that the venue had permission for only 10,000 attendees, but nearly two lakh people gathered, causing chaos and the deadly incident.

Initially, Vijay refrained from immediate comments when questioned by Tamil media at Trichy airport. However, later he broke his silence with an emotional post on social media, saying, “My heart is broken. I am devastated with grief. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the speedy recovery of those who are injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and sorrow, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the recovery of the injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also extended his sympathies and directed officials to provide free and best possible medical treatment. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh for each victim’s family and ₹1 lakh for the seriously injured. Stalin will personally visit Karur tomorrow to meet victims and families, as the state mourns this devastating tragedy.