Karur stampede, death toll climbs to 41

The death toll from the devastating stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) campaign rally in Karur has risen to 41 after a woman succumbed to her injuries.

The woman, 65-year-old Sukuna from Velusamipuram, succumbed to injuries late Sunday night. Sukuna, who worked for a private company, had gone missing after the rally. Her relatives later found she had been admitted to the Karur Government Hospital’s



intensive care unit but could not be saved despite treatment.

The tragedy struck on Saturday evening at Velayudhampalayam, where thousands had gathered to hear Vijay speak. Witnesses said the crowd swelled beyond capacity, and as people pushed forward to catch a glimpse of the TVK leader, chaos erupted. A brief power disruption reportedly added to the panic. In the crush, many were trapped in narrow exit lanes; several fainted and were trampled.