CHENNAI: Chaotic images from a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, show massive crowds packed along the 2 km stretch from the Karur-Trichy highway roundabout to the Karur-Erode highway on Saturday evening.

Supporters and party workers surrounded actor-turned-politician Vijay’s campaign vehicle, with many women, children, and young girls among the attendees. Cadres stood dangerously close to the vehicle, according to the images.

The gathering quickly turned chaotic, triggering panic and a stampede. Several attendees fainted and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

At least 39 people, including 10 children and 17 women, were killed, while 81 were hospitalised, many with serious injuries.

Witnesses said the stampede began shortly after Vijay started his speech, when disturbances in the crow

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