Gathering for Indian actor and politician turns tragedy, 39 dead.

A tragedy struck an electoral rally for a prominent Indian actor, turned politician on Saturday, when at least 39 people lost their lives and more than 90 were injured in a mob crackdown, CNN reports.

Tens of thousands of people were gathered at a public event in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where Vijay, a local cinema star known only by his first name, was giving a speech.

Local media images showed a crowd gathering around an election truck, with Vijay addressing people from the roof of the vehicle.

He was seen throwing bottles of water at the extinguishers before seeking police assistance after the situation became dangerous.

At least 17 women, 13 men, four boys and five girls died and 93 were injured in the event, organised by the Tajliaga Vettri Kazhagam of Vijay in the Carur district, Health Secretary Tamil Nadu, Stentil Kumar confirmed on Sunday.

My heart is broken; I am in pain and impatient grief and inexplicable”, Vijay wrote on X.

“Express deep condolences and sympathy for the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Carur. I pray for the quick recovery of those who are being treated at the hospital”.

The star promised compensation of $2 million for each victim's family and 200,000 rupees (2,200 dollars) for the wounded by doubling the amount offered by the government.

“In the history of our state, there has never been such a large number of people losing their lives in a programme organised by a political party”, said MK Stalin, the state prime minister.

He added that he has ordered an investigation, led by a Supreme Court judge, for the incident where about 25,000 to 30,000 people participated.. /Periscopi/