NEW DELHI -- As many as 31 people died and at least 58 were injured in the stampede that occurred in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu late on Saturday, confirmed a senior political leader of the state's ruling party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji reportedly said that 46 persons were admitted to a private hospital, while 12 persons were undergoing treatment at a government hospital.

The stampede had occurred at a large public gathering called by film actor Vijay in support of his political outfit Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in the state's Karur district.

Meanwhile, according to sources at the hospitals, the death toll was feared to rise as many of the injured persons were in a serious condition.