India, Sept. 27 -- A massive campaign rally by Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ended in tragedy on Saturday, September 27, evening when a sudden crowd surge left at least 31 people dead and around 40 injured in Karur district in the western part of the state.

The death toll includes 16 women, nine men and six children, confirmed Tamil Nadu health minister Ma Subramanian.

The incident, described as a "stampede-like crush" by the district administration, occurred at Velusamypuram on the Karur-Erode highway, where thousands had gathered for Vijay's 'Velicham Veliyeru' ('Let There Be Light') campaign meeting. He was addressing the audience when chaos broke out, forcing him to halt his speech.

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