Security has been intensified at actor-politician Vijay’s residence in Chennai after the stampede at his Karur rally left 39 people dead and over 100 injured, Tamil Nadu government sources confirmed on Saturday.
According to officials, the heightened security is a precautionary measure as “public anger may turn against him” in the wake of the tragedy.
Vijay, 51, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and is preparing for his party’s Assembly election debut next year, has come under sharp criticism over the incident.
Government sources alleged that basic guidelines were ignored by organisers, including inadequate arrangements for drinking water and food, which led to people collapsing in the crowd. They further stated that Vijay reached the venue nearly seven hours late.
Supporters, who had been waiting since noon, surged into an already-packed space when he arrived after 7 pm, worsening the situation.
Authorities claim ambulances were blocked from entering the rally even as several attendees fainted during Vijay’s speech. After addressing the gathering, the actor-politician reportedly flew back to Chennai from Trichy by a private flight.
TVK leaders, however, defended their preparations. A party advocate insisted that all police guidelines were followed and stressed that the incident has deeply affected Vijay, saying he “loves the people of Tamil Nadu.”
As distressing visuals from the venue circulated online, Vijay issued an emotional statement on X: “My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin also visited the injured and bereaved families, later posting on X: “The tears shed by the families of those who lost their lives throughout the night, and the pain caused by their grief-filled cries, have not left my heart.”
Meanwhile, Karur West TVK district secretary V P Mathiyazhagan has been booked by police for alleged violations of safety norms at the rally. The state government has ordered a judicial inquiry led by a retired High Court judge.
