Stampede at actor Vijay's political rally kills 36 in India
A stampede at a political rally led by Tamil actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay killed at least 36 people in southern India on September 28, 2025. The incident occurred amid large crowds gathered to support Vijay's new political party. Authorities are investigating the causes of the overcrowding that led to the tragedy.
The rally was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, as part of Vijay's launch of his political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). According to NPR reports, the event drew tens of thousands of supporters, many of whom were fans of the 50-year-old actor known for blockbuster films like 'Master' and 'Leo'. The stampede broke out around midday when crowds surged forward, possibly due to excitement over Vijay's speech or logistical failures in crowd control.
Eyewitnesses described chaos as people pushed to get closer to the stage. 'It was like a wave crashing; suddenly everyone was falling over each other,' said one attendee, Rajesh Kumar, a local shopkeeper. Official figures confirm 36 deaths, with most victims being women and children trampled in the crush. Over 50 others were injured and hospitalized, some in critical condition.
Vijay, who announced his political entry earlier this year, expressed devastation in a statement: 'My heart breaks for the families who lost loved ones. This was meant to be a celebration of unity, not tragedy.' He has suspended campaign activities pending the investigation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin ordered a high-level probe and announced compensation of 5 lakh rupees (about $6,000) for each victim's family.
Background context reveals Vijay's rising political ambitions in a state dominated by Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK. His fan base, largely young and urban, has fueled speculation of a potential challenge to established leaders. However, the incident highlights safety concerns at large political gatherings in India, where similar stampedes have occurred, such as the 2022 Jakarta rally that killed three.
No contradictions were noted in the single source, which emphasized the rally's scale and the rapid response from emergency services. The event underscores the risks of celebrity-driven politics in densely populated regions.