Chennai: A political rally organized by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay Karur in Kurur, Tamil Nadu, turned tragic as a stampede claimed 36 lives, including six children and several party workers. The incident occurred when a large crowd of supporters and party workers gathered for Karur’s address, making crowd control difficult and resulting in the deadly stampede.
State Minister Subramanian confirmed that 16 women were among the deceased. Over 40 people sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at Karur Government Hospital, with additional doctors and forensic experts deployed from nearby hospitals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “The unfortunate incident at the political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply distressing. I pray that God grants strength to those who lost loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”