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New Delhi.- At least 38 people died, including 16 women and eight children, and more than 150 were injured after a stampede occurred on Saturday night during a massive political rally in southern India, official sources reported on Sunday.
The tragedy took place in the town of Karur, in the state of Tamil Nadu (south), during a campaign event of the popular actor turned politician Vijay.
According to initial investigations, panic broke out when a group of attendees who had climbed a tree to get a better view of the politician fell onto the crowd, triggering a chain reaction that led to the deadly stampede, police said in a statement to the media.
The government of Tamil Nadu has announced compensation of one million rupees (about $12,000) for the families of each of the deceased and has opened a commission to investigate the causes of the event and determine responsibilities.
Shortly after the event, Vijay, leader of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, published an extensive statement on the social network X, to express his sorrow for what happened.
"My heart and mind are overwhelmed by a deep sorrow. Amidst the immense pain of losing our loved ones, I have no words to express the pain my heart endures," he lamented.
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The campaign event is part of the recent and widely followed entry into politics of Vijay, one of the biggest stars of Tamil cinema. Local sources had reported in recent weeks a climate of tension between his new party and the state government over alleged restrictions on organizing his public events, which attract crowds. Deadly stampedes are a recurring tragedy in India, often linked to the massive influx of people at religious events, festivals, and, as in this case, political rallies. The combination of a huge population density, often inadequate infrastructure, and poor security planning creates a high-risk environment. Frequently, the trigger is a minor incident that generates a wave of uncontrollable panic in confined spaces.
