The black shadow of death has fallen on the public rally of actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay, who is looking to create a new history in Tamil Nadu politics. At least 39 people lost their lives in a stampede at the rally held on Saturday. Women and children are among the dead. Local authorities have said that many of the injured are in critical condition in the hospital, as a result of which the death toll may rise further.

Since the incident, mourning has descended on the state. Vijay himself has also expressed deep grief. In a broken voice on social media, he wrote—
“My heart is broken. I am stunned by grief. My sincere condolences to the families of the brothers and sisters who lost their lives. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

He did not stop at just condolences. According to the India Today report, financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh will reach each of the deceased families. He has also announced Rs 2 lakh for the injured. In Vijay's words—
“Money can never be a substitute for life. But at this moment of sharing your pain, it is my responsibility to be there, even if it is a little.”

It is worth noting that earlier, there had been a controversy over crowd control at Vijay's rally. On August 21, the incident of several people being injured by security personnel at a meeting in Madurai led to a lawsuit. This time, that fear has returned in a terrifying form at this rally in Tamil Nadu.

The local administration said that the security arrangements were not sufficient to handle such a large crowd. The government has assured that an investigation committee will be formed to investigate who is responsible behind the incident.