Chennai: A large turnout at a political campaign rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur on Saturday turned tragic after a sudden crowd surge and chaos left at least 23 people dead and several injured, including children and elderly people attendees.

Several remain in critical condition, while emergency teams and senior state officials rushed to the spot through the night.

The rally, organised by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor Vijay, took place at Velusamipuram and began around 7:20 p.m.

Witnesses said that panic broke out when a sudden power outage plunged the venue into near darkness.

Thousands of people, who had gathered to hear Vijay speak, were caught in a crush as the crowd swayed and pushed forward.

Before the incident, Vijay had been addressing local grievances, including

See Full Page