Karur, Sep 28 (NationPress) The number of fatalities has tragically increased to 39 following a stampede during the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) political rally in Tamil Nadu, officials confirmed on Sunday. The incident transpired while party leader and actor Vijay was addressing the crowd on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 individuals and leaving over 50 others injured.

The public event took place at Velusamypuram in Karur as part of Vijay’s expanding outreach initiative throughout Tamil Nadu.

Authorities reported that thousands of enthusiastic supporters began assembling on the narrow access roads early in the day to secure optimal positions for the evening speech.

The event commenced at around 7.20 p.m., but as the crowd density increased in the constrained area, a section became perilously congested. Witnesses recounted that panic ensued as individuals began to faint and lose their footing within the tightly packed audience. Many victims were trampled before rescue teams could arrive.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin promptly traveled to Karur late that night to comfort grieving families and check on the injured at Karur Medical College Hospital. He confirmed that among those who perished, nine were children and 16 were women.

“Over 50 individuals are currently receiving treatment at Karur Medical College Hospital and nearby private medical facilities,” he stated.

The death toll could increase as some individuals remain in critical condition. The state government has initiated a one-member judicial commission to thoroughly investigate the incident.

Retired Madras High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will head the inquiry, with findings expected to be submitted “as early as possible,” according to Stalin.

When asked if action might be taken against TVK leader Vijay, the Chief Minister indicated that “future steps will depend entirely on the Commission’s findings.”

Concerns have been raised regarding whether the meeting venue was adequately spacious to accommodate the influx of attendees.

CM Stalin refrained from commenting on the venue's appropriateness but assured that accountability would be ensured following the investigation.

In the immediate aftermath, the government dispatched senior ministers and medical teams to Karur. Emergency medical units were established to care for the injured, and additional ambulances and rescue personnel were mobilized.

This tragic event has ignited a wave of sorrow across Tamil Nadu, with condolences streaming in from political figures spanning various parties. Safety protocols at political events are now under intense scrutiny as the state grapples with one of its most devastating crowd disasters in recent years.