Tamil Nadu CM Criticizes Police Response Following Karur Stampede Tragedy

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has expressed deep regret over the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 41 individuals during a rally in Karur on September 27. This marked his first visit to the district since the devastating event, where he pointed fingers at the police for failing to notify him about the dangerously swelling crowd and for not taking necessary precautions to cancel the rally.

The stampede occurred while Vijay was addressing his supporters from his campaign vehicle, with reports indicating that the number of attendees surged past the permitted limit of 10,000, reaching over 25,000. The situation quickly escalated, leading to chaos and tragic consequences. In the aftermath, the Supreme Court has mandated a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

During a public address in Karur, CM Vijay stated, “The police could have alerted us that the crowd was growing and became unmanageable to control.” He emphasized that the police had the authority to cancel the event but failed to act accordingly. He further questioned, “Who is responsible for this? Under whose instructions was all this done?” These remarks highlight his frustration and concern regarding the police’s role in managing public safety during political events.

Vijay, the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, conveyed his sorrow, stating that the loss of life has deeply affected him. He underscored the need for better coordination and communication between political leaders and law enforcement, especially during large gatherings that pose potential risks. The incident not only raises questions about the management of public events in Tamil Nadu but also about the protocols that are in place to ensure the safety of attendees.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party was in power during the time of the incident, and this tragedy is likely to have implications for political accountability in the state. As investigations continue and the CBI delves into the events leading up to the stampede, the focus remains on preventing such incidents in the future and ensuring that public safety is never compromised during political rallies.

Source: scroll.in