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India: at least 36 dead in stampede during political rally
At least 36 people were killed on Saturday in a stampede during a political rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, southern India, according to the state’s chief minister. Among the deceased are eight children and sixteen women. The government has ordered an investigation and compensation for the victims’ families.
At least 58 others were injured and taken to hospitals. Vijay, full name Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, was addressing the crowd when the stampede occurred, forcing him to stop his speech. “My heart is broken,” the 51-year-old actor-turned-politician wrote on social media.
Reports indicate that part of the crowd surged toward the stage to catch a glimpse of Vijay, triggering the deadly movement. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the accident “deeply saddening.” Fatal stampedes are not uncommon in India, particularly during religious festivals, due to inadequate crowd management and safety measures.