Tamil Nadu Government Releases Evidence of Safety Violations at TVK Chief Vijay's Rally Following Deadly Stampede

A video captured Vijay's supporters following his campaign bus on motorcycles, resulting in an accident.

Chennai:

On Tuesday, the Tamil Nadu government presented video evidence showing violations at actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, explaining that the crowd size more than doubled from estimates, causing significant difficulties.

In response to numerous claims circulating on social media regarding the stampede at TVK chief Vijay's rally, government officials provided factual information through video recordings while offering their perspective on the incidents.

At the Secretariat in Fort St George, Chennai, a team led by senior IAS officer P Amudha, the official government spokesperson, conducted a press briefing where they screened video footage of the events.

Health Secretary P Senthilkumar and ADGP (Law and Order) S Davidson Devasirvatham also participated in the briefing.

The government issued warnings against spreading rumors or publishing content that could incite violence.

This government press conference occurred shortly after Vijay released his own video statement explaining his position on the stampede incident, asserting his innocence.

The video evidence displayed TVK supporters violating regulations by climbing onto rooftops of shops and residences in both Namakkal and Karur.

Officials explained that TVK's preferred venue at Karur Roundtana was denied due to safety concerns, given its proximity to a petrol station and sewage canal.

Amudha clarified that electricity was not cut off during the rally.

"The crowd size exceeded TVK's estimate of 10,000, ultimately reaching over 25,000 with followers who came to see actor Vijay," she stated.

ADGP Devasirvadham revealed that police had instructed Vijay to stop 50 meters ahead of the designated location due to overcrowding, but event organizers failed to comply.

According to Amudha, the surging crowd moved toward the generator enclosure, causing the failure of focus lights.

"The crowd had been growing since afternoon, with some attendees arriving in the morning, leading to dehydration and exhaustion. When Vijay's vehicle reached the designated location in Karur, the crowd surged forward," Devasirvadham explained that people pushed forward, eager to see Vijay at the rally.

Regarding the postmortem examinations of victims, Health Secretary Senthil Kumar stated that procedures were conducted with sensitivity to minimize distress for grieving families.

Another video showed fans following Vijay's campaign bus on motorcycles, resulting in an accident.

The footage also documented another incident involving a vehicle pursuing Vijay's bus, as well as numerous traffic violations and vehicles traveling against designated routes.

Vijay's campaign events in Madurai, Villupuram, Tiruchirappali, Namakkal, and Karur led to multiple road accidents, officials reported.

"Karur recorded the highest number with 114 injuries from road accidents, while Villupuram reported 42 injuries, Madurai 14, and Tiruchirappalli 12." Before the stampede occurred, 34 people were hospitalized for heat stroke in Namakkal, where the actor had addressed a gathering before proceeding to Karur.

Four individuals fainted at the venue, the official added.