Stampede at Indian Actor-Politician’s Rally Leaves 40 Dead, More Than 50 Injured

Tens of thousands of people had gathered in Tamil Nadu, India, to see Vijay, an actor turned politician, when the crowd surge turned deadly.

Rows of Indian national flags wave in the wind at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, India, on Aug. 15, 2025. Numan Bhat/Middle East Images via AFP

At least 36 people, including eight children and 16 women, were killed and more than 50 others injured in a stampede on Sept. 27 at a political rally for Indian film star Vijay in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, according to officials.

The crush occurred in the city of Karur, where tens of thousands of people had gathered to see the 51-year-old actor, one of Tamil cinema’s most bankable stars. Vijay launched his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Party in 2024 and is campaigning ahead of state elections scheduled for early 2026.