In the wake of a tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which killed at least 39 people and injured 56 others, Vijay announced financial assistance of ₹20 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, and ₹2 lakh for those injured.

Describing the disaster as an “irreparable loss,” Vijay expressed deep grief, saying his “heart and mind are overwhelmed” and that fond memories keep flooding back, intensifying his sorrow.

The Tamil Nadu government also declared its support, offering ₹10 lakh to families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to the injured. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin admitted the scale of the tragedy was unprecedented for a political gathering and ordered a judicial inquiry headed by a retired high court judge.

According to Tamil Nadu police, the rally was meant to begin at 3 pm, but Vijay arrived hours late at around 7:30 pm, causing a crowd surge. The venue, booked for 10,000 people, saw nearly three times that many attendees. Organisers had insufficient provisions of food and water for the waiting crowd under the scorching sun, contributing to the fatal chaos.