At least 36 dead, 50 hospitalized after Indian actor-politician Vijay's rally

File photo showing political campaign in India. Date unknown
Anadolu Agency

At least 36 people were killed and about 50 were injured at a rally held by Tamil actor and politician Vijay in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Hindu newspaper reported on Saturday.

Large crowds had gathered for the meeting, part of Vijay’s ongoing state tour for his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the report citing the state's Health Minister Ma. Subramanian said.

Vijay, who goes by only one name, is campaigning ahead of state elections that are to be held early next year.

At least 44 doctors from the nearby districts of Tiruchirappalli and Salem were sent to Karur, the report added.

"The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

Calls to Tamil Nadu state's health ministry and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's office went unanswered.

"The news coming from Karur is worrying," Stalin said in an X post, adding that he had directed ministers and officials to provide urgent medical aid to those who collapsed at the Karur rally and ordered additional assistance from nearby Tiruchirappalli.

The Tamil Nadu government has announced Rs 10 lakh ($11,278) each as compensation for the families of the victims of the Karur stampede incident, which broke out during a political rally held by TVK chief Vijay on Saturday.

"Compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of those who lost their lives in the Karur tragedy. A Commission of Inquiry headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will be constituted to investigate the incident," a Tamil Nadu CMO statement said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “the unfortunate incident during a political rally” 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,” he wrote in a post on  X.

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