October 6, 2025

On September 27, thousands of fans—men, women, and children—poured into Velusamypuram in Karur, Tamil Nadu, just to catch a glimpse of their hero, actor-turned-politician Vijay. The organizers expected 10,000 people, but an incredible 25,000 showed up! As Vijay finally arrived hours late, the crowd was packed and thirsty, squeezed into a sea of bodies. When he climbed a makeshift stage on his bus, the crowd pushed forward in excitement, causing chaos. This deadly crush claimed 41 lives, including 18 women and 10 children, and left more than 100 injured. India is sadly becoming known as a 'stampede country,' with fatal crushes striking political rallies, religious festivals, and sports celebrations. Earlier this year, 30 people died during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, 18 at New Delhi Railway Station, and 11 in Bengaluru during IPL celebrations for Royal Challengers Bangalore. So, what’s going wrong with crowd control in India? Technology like drones or AI cameras can track crowds, but cannot read minds. Kuladhar Saikia, former Assam police chief, explains, "Understanding crowd psychology is integral to effective crowd management." In crowds, individuals lose their sense of self and share the feelings and actions of the group. Modern tools help, but without a human touch, disasters like Vijay's rally happen. Law enforcement struggles to read the mood and size of gatherings, a problem dating back decades—from 1954’s Kumbh Mela tragedy that killed 500 people to recent disasters like the 2024 Hathras stampede with 123 deaths. India’s huge population means any big event is a critical challenge. Even global tragedies in Mecca or Seoul trace back to poor management decisions. A 2025 government report divides crowds into four types: casual (like on railway platforms), meeting or entertainment (political rallies, sports events), expressive (festival celebrations), and aggressive (violent mobs). The report warns, "The aggressive or unruly crowd gradually becomes a mob if it is not controlled in the early stages." Psychologists like Gustave Le Bon and Sigmund Freud have studied how individuals behave differently in crowds, often losing their inhibitions. Mumbai psychiatrist Shefali Batra adds, "In such gatherings, even non-visual cues like sound or pushing can quickly escalate panic," especially when emotional leaders like Vijay are on stage. Interestingly, crowd size alone doesn’t cause disasters. At Vijay’s rally, 25,000 caused a deadly stampede, but over 1.5 million mourners gathering at singer Zubeen Garg’s funeral had no casualties. Similarly, Mumbai’s controlled cricket victory parade contrasted with chaos at RCB IPL celebrations. Experts say police must "put their foot down" on risky decisions. A senior officer recalled denying alcohol permission at a 70,000-strong concert to prevent stampedes: "I may have looked like a bad cop, but that’s better than risking a stampede." Event managers face a tough job balancing excited crowds and safety rules. Though risk assessments are crucial, India has no mandate for them, says Rohan Oberoi, CEO of risk management firm Momentum India. Preparation is the best defense—like for Coldplay’s tour, planned six months ahead with software to monitor crowd density. Still, challenges remain, like counting heads after dark without thermal cameras. Bhanu Bhaskar, an UP police official, explains each kind of event needs a different crowd strategy. Political rallies bring local tensions, religious events stir deep emotions, and music concerts are impulsive. Technology like AI CCTV and drones help police act fast—important when millions gather for events like the Kanwar Yatra. Police use AI cameras to track crowd routes and respond immediately to dangers. Crowd management is also a science. Oberoi says it’s about math—like knowing how many people can safely exit through doors per minute to design barriers and pathways. Unlike natural disasters, stampedes send early warning signs. Looking ahead, the huge Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik, expected to draw 70-100 million pilgrims in 2027, is already preparing big safety upgrades. Outdated structures are being replaced, and Rs 300 crore is set aside for thousands of AI cameras and drones. A nonprofit, Kumbhathon Innovation Foundation, is working with startups and students to find smart solutions. But can technology alone stop tragedies? History warns us otherwise. In 2003, failure to control pilgrims’ routes in Nashik led to a tragic stampede killing 29. The real key is understanding crowd psychology and acting early. Because in every giant gathering, this wisdom makes the difference between a joyous celebration and heartbreaking disaster.

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Tags: Crowd management, Stampede, Vijay rally, Crowd psychology, India disasters, Safety measures,