A big campaign gathering for Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ended in tragedy on Saturday, September 27, evening, when a sudden crowd rush killed at least 31 people and injured over 50 more. Vijay was photographed arriving at Trichy airport; however, he made no statement about the tragedy.

Vijay made his first public statement about the deadly stampede that occurred during his rally in Karur, expressing his condolences to the victims' families. "My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express," he said in his first statement. "I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital."