Following the tragic Karur stampede in which over 40 died during his rally, actor-politician Vijay spoke via video call to two bereaved families, offering condolences and promising aid. He cited difficulties for not visiting in person yet.
Actor-politician Vijay has reached out to families of victims from the Karur stampede through emotional video calls, assuring them of his support and promising to meet them soon. The tragedy, which claimed 41 lives during his rally on September 27, has sparked grief and criticism over his delayed in-person visit.
On September 27, 2025, a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, held by actor-turned-politician Vijay (of party TVK, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) turned disastrous when a stampede or crowd crush occurred.
Reports indicate more than 41 people lost their lives, and dozens were injured, though numbers vary by source. The crowd far exceeded the expected size, and the venue struggled with basic crowd control, narrow passages, and delayed arrival of the rally’s chief guest.
Investigations followed quickly. The police filed a case against TVK and its campaign vehicle driver. The Times of India A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Asra Garg has been formed to look into the causes. The Times of India +2 www.ndtv.com +2
Vijay’s interaction with victims’ families
As public anger grew over the tragedy and Vijay’s delayed presence, he resorted to video calls to reach out. According to media reports:
On Monday evening, Vijay called Dhanush Kumar’s mother and sister in Gandhigram, Karur. He told the family, “I will be your brother and help you in every way. I will come and meet you in person soon.”
In the same evening, another call went to Sakthivel, whose wife Priyadarshini (35) and daughter Taranika (15) died in the stampede. Vijay expressed sorrow, called the loss “irreparable,” and promised that help would come.
He asked that no photos or videos be taken during these calls. www.ndtv.com His team says he plans to video call all families first and then visit Karur in person.
Critics, however, argue his failure to be present physically is unacceptable, given the magnitude of loss and public expectations.
Criticism over absence, public response
Many political leaders and the public have heavily criticized Vijay for not visiting Karur promptly in person. Most major Tamil Nadu political figures, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and AIADMK’s Edappadi Palaniswami, have visited the site and met families. Kamal Haasan also made a personal visit to express condolences.
Meanwhile, leaders from other parties, as well as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, visited the area. A one-person commission headed by Aruna Jagatheesan was formed to probe the disaster.
Critics accuse Vijay of political evasion, saying that video calls are insufficient compensation for not being there physically when grief and anger run high.