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 36 people dead and around 40 injured in Karur district in the western part of the state.

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The death toll included at least 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 a...