Velusamypuram in Karur district does not speak easily about September 27, 2025.
On that day, what was meant to be a show of strength for actor-turned-politician Vijay turned into one of Tamil Nadu’s deadliest political tragedies. The stampede that broke out left 41 people dead, including nine children.
47-year-old George, a resident of Velusamypuram, saw it unfold from his balcony. Seven months later, he says the images haven’t faded from memory.
As Vijay arrived hours after his scheduled time, the crowds had begun to burgeon and finally went out of control. Many questions remain unanswered, residents say. Why was this location allotted for Vijay’s rally? Who decided that he should visit this particular spot? Questions also persist about the power blackout and fluctuations at the time.
Now as Tamil Nadu heads towards crucial polls and electioneering intensifies across Karur, including by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), there is an uneasy calm in Velusamypuram. Many here are reluctant to speak, unsure if the tragedy will influence the upcoming polls.
When TNM approached a man at a tea shop, he was evasive: “I’ve had enough problems. I am a victim and I don’t want to speak.”
25-year-old Harish, TVK ward secretary of Velusamypuram, said, “The entire world saw how politics plays out in Karur.”
In the following days, Harish was arrested for blaming DMK former minister Senthil Balaji for the stampede. “I was lodged in Trichy sub-jail for 15 days for speaking about him. Totally, 16 cases were registered for criticising the DMK government over Karur, and we are not sure how many people were arrested,” Harish recalled.
Senthil Balaji’s influence in the district is undeniable. His sudden decision to move out of Karur and contest from the Coimbatore South constituency has not gone unnoticed. An AIADMK functionary who was previously associated with Senthil Balaji told TNM that the stampede may have been one of the reasons for the shift.
Life after the stampede
About 14 kilometres from Velusamypuram, Emoor Pudhur village is in the grip of election fever. The entrance to the village is marked by political graffiti from all parties. But behind the colourful walls, several families are still in mourning.
Among them is 60-year-old Anjalai Devi, who lost her daughter Chandra in the stampede.
“There is no one to take care of the children. My husband and I are taking care of them. But how long can we do it? My daughter went to see Vijay along with 20 others from the village and she never returned. We don’t know what happened to her,” Anjalai said.
“Vijay mela thappu illa (Vijay is not at fault). If he had been provided with a proper location to hold the meeting, this tragedy would have been averted. We place our trust in Thalaivar Vijay. He will bring out the truth,” she added.
At least five residents of Emoor Pudhur, including a seven-year-old boy, died in the stampede.
69-year-old Kaliappan, a retired police officer, said that after all the politicking that has been done over the stampede, he is unable to trust anyone. Kaliappan lost his wife Arkani, who went along with her neighbours to see Vijay.
Kaliappan recalled a meeting with Vijay at a star resort on October 27. Victims’ families were invited to a resort in Mamallapuram a month after the stampede. At the time, many criticised Vijay for not travelling to Karur instead.
"Vijay told us that they never expected something like this to happen and he promised to help us. What we know is the [September 27] rally was supposed to take place at 12 pm. If Vijay had come on time, the stampede could have been avoided. Now we expect a fair investigation,” Kaliappan said.
Kaliappan added, “Every month we receive Rs 5,000 into our account from him and we use that for our daily needs.”
Residents alleged, on condition of anonymity, that the victims’ families were approached by local politicians, community members, and influential figures to skip the Chennai meeting.
49-year-old Sakthivel, a TASMAC employee who lost his wife Priyadarshini and 14-year-old daughter Dharanika in the stampede, is reeling under yet another loss. His mother passed away in February.
Pointing to Dharanika and Priyadarshini’s photos, “I get through each day with their unforgettable memories for company.” He is appalled by the politics playing out over the stampede.
“We are victims and all we need is justice for the 41 people who lost their lives,” Sakthivel said.
Recalling his meeting with Vijay, Sakthivel said that he wanted to meet him in person and speak his mind. “I told him directly that he was also responsible.”
Sakthivel has a barrage of questions regarding the stampede and is sceptical if the CBI investigation will bring the facts to light.
“Why was adequate security not provided to Vijay? Why did authorities grant permission for a location that cannot accommodate huge crowds? Why did Vijay switch off the lights in his campaign bus while still at the Karur-Trichy bypass road?” he asked.