The death toll following a stampede at a political rally for a popular Indian actor and politician in the southern state of Tamil Nadu has climbed to 40, as medics treat at least 124 injured people in hospitals. Vijay is one of Tamil Nadu’s most successful actors and is running for office in state elections scheduled to be held in early 2026. S Sabesan, a local resident who was at the rally, said Vijay was supposed to address the rally around noon but arrived more than six hours late. He said by that time, a large crowd had choked the roads. “I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express.”Stampedes are relatively common in India when large crowds gather.