Part of Veluchamy Puram in Karur the place heavy casualties have been reported because of the Vijay marketing campaign stampede. | Photo Credit: Vengadesh R

Velusamypuram, the place 39 individuals died in a stampede at actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay’s public assembly on Saturday (September 27, 2025) night time, bore the grim aftermath of the tragedy, with slippers strewn throughout the bottom and torn social gathering scarves mendacity scattered.

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Early Sunday morning, residents of the habitat recounted to The Hindu the harrowing scenes they witnessed.

Crowds had begun gathering from early morning in Karur, although Mr. Vijay arrived solely round 7.30 p.m. “Had he saved to his allotted time of three p.m., the group would have been a lot smaller. By night, the congestion was insufferable,” stated Balaji, a resident.

Several locals stated the selection of venue aggravated the state of affairs. “If he [Vijay] had waved from the flyover or the outskirts, the group would have dispersed shortly. Instead, the procession was made to maneuver together with his propaganda van,” alleged Sivagurunathan N.S.

In Pictures: Stampede at Vijay’s TVK rally in Karur

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Others pointed to the absence of fundamental facilities. “There was no water, no retailers open since morning. People fainted within the warmth,” stated G. Chitra. Residents additionally recalled youngsters climbing electrical posts and transformers to catch a glimpse of the actor, including to the danger.

Some linked the tragedy to the timing. “Saturday night is peak time in Karur, when textile staff obtain their wages. The surge to see Vijay solely added to the stress,” stated B. Balusamy.

Several criticised the police and the organisers. “Police at the moment are in all places, however at the moment they didn’t save us. They have so many intelligence wings, but they didn’t predict this crowd. I noticed our bodies being carried in entrance of my eyes,” lamented Palanisamy of Velusamypuram.

Residents contrasted the rally with different political occasions. “Even the DMK held its Mupperum Vizha close to the ring highway, the place there was house. Why deliver such a crowd right into a congested space?” requested Ok. Veeramani.

Published – September 28, 2025 09:30 am IST