STORY: At least 31 people were killed and more than 50 injured on Saturday (September 27) at a rally held by Tamil actor Vijay, who is campaigning for election, state officials said.

"Thirty-one people died with more than 50 people now hospitalized," said V. Selvaraj, a senior police official in the district of Karur in Tamil Nadu, where the incident occurred.

Large crowds had gathered for the meeting, part of Vijay's ongoing state tour for his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Vijay, who is a well-known actor and goes by only one name, launched a political party last year and began campaigning this month ahead of state elections that are to be held early next year.

State lawmaker Senthil Balaji told reporters that 58 people were hospitalized after what he said was a stampede. He added that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will visit the area on Sunday (September 28).

"The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

Calls to Tamil Nadu state's health ministry and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's office went unanswered.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: KARUR, TAMIL NADU, INDIA (SEPTEMBER 27, 2025) (TAMILAGA VETTRI KAZHAGAM HANDOUT - No use India)(NIGHT SHOT)

1. CROWDS GATHERED AND FILMING DURING INDIAN ACTOR - POLITICIAN VIJAY'S RALLY

2. VARIOUS OF VIJAY ADDRESSING GATHERING

3. CROWDS GATHERED

4. DRONE FOOTAGE OF RALLY

5. VIJAY ADDRESSING GATHERING

6. CROWDS GATHERED/AMBULANCE MOVING

7. DRONE FOOTAGE OF RALLY

KARUR, TAMIL NADU, INDIA (SEPTEMBER 27, 2025) (ANI-No use India)

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Tamil) FORMER TAMIL NADU STATE LAWMAKER, SENTHIL BALAJI, SAYING:

"Thirty-one people have been killed, including children and women and appropriate measures are being taken."

9. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE GATHERED AT GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL WHERE INJURED WERE BROUGHT

INTERNET (SEPTEMBER 27, 2025) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - Access All) (MUTE)

10. SOCIAL MEDIA POST OF INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI, READING (English):

"The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured."