‘Who will take responsibility?' Madras HC had flagged risks at Vijay’s mega rallies weeks before stampede

Court had cautioned govt on rally safety weeks before Tamil Nadu tragedy

Weeks before tragedy struck in Tamil Nadu’s Karur, the Madras High Court had warned of possible fatalities at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rallies if safety lapses continued, according to News18. The court had asked the DMK-led government who would take responsibility if lives were lost and ordered uniform safety rules for political gatherings across parties.

On Saturday, the nightmare scenario came true. At least 33 people, including six children and 16 women, died in a stampede-like situation at Vijay’s rally, with dozens more hospitalised. The disaster has now reignited questions of accountability, crowd control, and whether the court’s warning was ignored.

What happened in Karur?

The rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay saw a massive turnout, with crowds reportedly swelling to 30,000–35,000 people despite police permission for only 10,000.

Attendees had been waiting since morning under the heat, with Vijay’s arrival delayed by over six hours. By the time he began addressing the crowd, people were fainting from exhaustion, dehydration, and overcrowding.

Eyewitnesses said chaos broke out as people surged forward, leading to panic, collapse, and dozens being trampled. Vijay immediately stopped his speech, arranged water distribution, and called for ambulances.

According to Tamil Nadu ministers, 33 people lost their lives and 62 were injured. Survivors were rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur and private hospitals nearby.

Lapses in crowd control

Officials admitted that restrictions and crowd-control norms were not followed. The mismatch between permitted numbers and actual turnout is now under police investigation.

Locals alleged that the rally had poor basic arrangements, inadequate water, food, and shelter, which worsened conditions as the crowd grew restless.

The Madras High Court had earlier suggested advance deposits, accountability from organisers, and safety measures for women, the elderly, and differently-abled citizens. None of these appear to have prevented Saturday’s tragedy.

Political and government response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident 'deeply saddening,' expressing condolences and prayers for the injured.

Chief Minister MK Stalin said he had directed ministers, the district collector, and top police officials to provide immediate assistance and ordered additional doctors on site. He is expected to visit Karur on Sunday.

Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami called the deaths 'shocking and distressing,' while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply anguished” by the loss of lives.

The Union Home Ministry has also sought a detailed report from the state government.