Karur stampede: TN govt contests Vijay’s claim, releases videos of TVK cadres ‘breaking cordon’

Responding to TVK Chief Vijay’s allegations over Karur stampede, the Tamil Nadu Government on Tuesday countered his allegations and released purported videos showing TVK workers breaking the cordon and running during the chaos.

Addressing a press conference shortly after Vijay released a video message, DMK leaders contested the TVK chief’s claims, questioning the choice of venue. They said that the rally venue was not suitable as there was a petrol pump and a drainage canal.

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The Tamil Nadu government also claimed that the power supply was not suspended during the actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur.

“TVK’s estimated crowd of 10,000 doubled. The crowd that followed actor Vijay was 25,000 plus,” the government said.

The state government claimed that police told TVK chief Vijay to halt 50 meters ahead of the designated spot due to overcrowding, but the organisers did not oblige.

The DMK leaders said that the crowd began swelling in the afternoon and some of those who were there since morning experienced dehydration and exhaustion after that.

They stated that the crowd surged towards the electricity generator enclosure and later focus lights near that spot went off.

More than 40 people were killed and 83 others were injured after a stampede broke out during the rally of TVK chief Vijay in Karur on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Vijay broke his silence and said the truth about the stampede will come out soon. “What should not have happened has happened.”

Vijay alleged a conspiracy and accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin of targeting him.

“I did not do any wrong. My political journey will continue with renewed vigour,” asserted the actor-politician.

Stating his willingness to face the action, the TVK chief said: “CM sir, if you have thought of seeking vengeance, you may do anything to me, and not touch my party men.”