Once alerted by his party workers, the actor-politician called on the police personnel to help. He halted his speech mid-way and threw water bottles into the crowd, besides requesting those present to make way for the ambulance. A PTI report said that he announced that a child had gone missing, urging the police to help out. While those who fainted were rushed to hospitals, Vijay continued his speech. However, he ended it later after sensing the abnormal stampede-like situation.

What did President Murmu, PM Modi say

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her anguish at the tragic loss of lives. "I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured," she said in a post on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the death of several people at Vijay's rally. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said: "The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, 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."

Home Minister Amit Shah assures Centre's help

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Governor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and assured all possible help from the Central government. The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the incident. Shah also expressed "deep pain" over the loss of lives in the incident. "Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah wrote on X.

CM Stalin gets into action

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed concern over the incident and pressed senior ministers into action. "The news from Karur is worrying. I have contacted former Minister @V_Senthilbalaji, Health Minister @Subramanian_Ma and the District Collector to provide immediate support to the civilians who fainted due to the crowd and have been admitted to the hospital," the Chief Minister said in a post on X. He also asked the people to cooperate with the police.

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‘Police please help’: What happened at Vijay’s rally that left 38 dead | All you need to know

TVK Actor Vijay Rally Stampede News: After hospitalisation of several persons, police resorted to baton-charge to drive away the crowd that had gathered to witness the rally.

Vijay requested the crowd to make way for the ambulance and threw water bottles from atop his campaign vehicle (PTI Photo)

TVK Vijay Rally Stampede News: At least 38 persons, including 16 women and six children, were killed and dozens of others seriously injured following a stampede-like situation in actor-politician Vijay’s heavily crowded rally at Tamil Nadu’s Karur. Initial reports suggested that several people were hospitalised after fainting. Ambulances reportedly had a tough time navigating the crowds. After sensing that a child appeared to have gone missing, and several people reportedly fainting in the crowd, Vijay sought assistance from authorities, saying “police, please help”. After hospitalisation of several persons, police resorted to baton-charge to drive away the crowd that had gathered to witness the rally, according to PTI.

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01
What happened at Vijay's rally
Vijay was addressing a massive gathering from atop his campaign vehicle in Karur when party workers sensed that the crowd has swelled beyond control and several people had fainted. Police said that supporters had been waiting since noon for Vijay's arrival. After holding another rally in the day, he reached the grounds only after nightfall. Thousands were already following his convoy and numbers increased. Vijay halted his speech mid-way when workers raised alarm after sensing that people were fainting and falling down.
02
How did Vijay react
Once alerted by his party workers, the actor-politician called on the police personnel to help. He halted his speech mid-way and threw water bottles into the crowd, besides requesting those present to make way for the ambulance. A PTI report said that he announced that a child had gone missing, urging the police to help out. While those who fainted were rushed to hospitals, Vijay continued his speech. However, he ended it later after sensing the abnormal stampede-like situation.
03
What did President Murmu, PM Modi say
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her anguish at the tragic loss of lives. "I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured," she said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the death of several people at Vijay's rally. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said: "The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, 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."
04
Home Minister Amit Shah assures Centre's help
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Governor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and assured all possible help from the Central government. The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the incident. Shah also expressed "deep pain" over the loss of lives in the incident. "Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah wrote on X.
05
CM Stalin gets into action
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed concern over the incident and pressed senior ministers into action. "The news from Karur is worrying. I have contacted former Minister @V_Senthilbalaji, Health Minister @Subramanian_Ma and the District Collector to provide immediate support to the civilians who fainted due to the crowd and have been admitted to the hospital," the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

He also asked the people to cooperate with the police.