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

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.