- By Chetna Shree
- Sun, 28 Sep 2025 06:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tamil Nadu Rally Stampede: A stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district claimed the lives of 40, including 55-year-old Jaya, who came with her son Murugan to see their hero, actor-turned politician Vijay. Murugan is currently in a critical condition at a local hospital.
Tens of thousands of supporters have gathered at the political rally under the scorching sun, waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of their popular Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief.
What Did The Brother Of Woman Killed In Tamil Nadu Stampede Say?
The 55-year-old Jaya was caught in the stampede that killed 40 at a political rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district on September 27. She was accompanied by her son, Murugan, who is now admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a local hospital in a critical condition.
ALSO READ: Vijay Rally Stampede: Eyewitnesses Allege The Actor ‘Left Victims To Fend For Themselves’
Murugan had brought her mother to the rally to catch a glimpse of their hero, Vijay. “Her son is a big Vijay fan. So he took his mother to see his hero, and this happened,” Jaya’s brother said.
"I was not aware that she (Jaya) went there. When I saw the news, my family informed me about my sister. When we searched, we got her body. Her son has sustained chest injuries and is finding it difficult to breathe,” he added.
Describing the chaos at the political rally, he said, “Everyone rushed and pushed, and no one was able to escape from the spot. Thus, they got stuck, and a stampede happened.”
Vijay launched his own political party in 2024 and has since attracted large crowds at campaign events ahead of state elections scheduled for next year.
A witness at the political rally criticised the arrangements, saying, “There was no water or food facility, causing people to faint. Vijay spoke for less than three minutes. He doesn’t know politics—he’s just an actor, and this is his first time in politics. If they wanted to hold such an event, they should have chosen a proper venue.”
“My heart is shattered at this tragedy,” TVK Chief Vijay said in a statement.
Overcrowding and Lack Of Basic Supplies
State police chief G Venkataraman stated that tens of thousands of people waited under the scorching sun for hours without sufficient food and water after being told that Vijay would arrive by noon. While only 10,000 attendees were expected, approximately 27,000 showed up, leading to overcrowding and a stampede at the political rally.
What Did The Opposition Say?
Leader of Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami accused the state of lapses in security planning at the massive political rally. “Proper crowd control and safety protocols were ignored. This is a man-made disaster,” he said.