TVK Flouted Rules, Police Was Ready To Handle Crowd: Tamil Nadu Top Cop On Karur Stampede

Tamil Nadu DGP G Venkatraman said permission was sought for 10,000 people, and the authorities had estimated a large turnout based on TVK chief Vijay’s previous rallies. (Image: PTI)

Karur stampedde: Tamil Nadu Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) on Sunday said that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) flouted some rules as laid for the event, and a case has been registered, and further investigation is going on.

While addressing a press briefing regarding the tragic stampede that occurred during a rally organized by TVK in Karur, which claimed at least 40 lives and left several injured, raised questions over the organiser’s crowd control measures and adherence to safety protocols.

According to the ADGP S Davidson Devasirvatham, the rally venue was decided based on a request from TVK, and police had suggested a change of location to manage the anticipated crowd better. “We told the TVK organisers to consider an alternate venue that had less crowd density, but they refused to listen,” he said.

The police official further stated that the crowd began to swell by late evening, with people from both Karur and Namakkal districts flocking in large numbers to catch a glimpse of actor-turned-politician Vijay. The TVK had announced that he would arrive at 12:45 pm, but it got delayed by more than five hours.

Devasirvatham further said that the police had made adequate arrangements. Over 500 police personnel were deployed for the event. “We were fully prepared to handle large crowds, even up to 27,000 people,” the ADGP said, adding, “We had adequate lighting, and there was no incident of stone pelting.”

However, some conditions laid out for event management were reportedly violated. “Yes, the party violated some rules,” the ADGP admitted when asked whether TVK had flouted regulations. He added that a case has been registered. The names of those to be booked will be revealed only after further investigation.