Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A fact-finding team of NDA MPs investigating the Karur stampede — which killed 41 people during actor-politician Vijay’s rally — has held “total administrative mismanagement” responsible for the tragedy. Exclusive details accessed by NDTV reveal serious lapses in crowd control, safety preparedness, and official response.
Overcrowding At A Venue Meant For 3,000
The report highlights that more than 30,000 people were allowed to gather at a ground that had the capacity to hold only 2,000–3,000. Crowds started arriving as early as 9 AM, even though Vijay’s appearance was scheduled for noon. He eventually arrived at 7 PM, by which time the venue was packed far beyond safe limits. The stampede began when Vijay climbed atop his bus to greet supporters, triggering a dangerous surge that led to women and children being trampled and many fainting due to overcrowding and heat.
Panic, Darkness, And Negligence
Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes, saying that Vijay tossed water bottles into the crowd, prompting people to lunge forward. Those who bent down to pick up bottles were crushed. Many victims also fell into open drains and were later found dead. As the stampede intensified, a power outage occurred, and the generator backup failed, plunging the venue into darkness and fuelling panic.
Officials Accused, Safety Violations Flagged
The NDA MPs’ report notes that actor Vijay left the venue immediately after the incident. It also points to administrative negligence, stating that the District Magistrate did not meet the delegation. The venue, despite major safety violations, had been cleared for the event. A detailed questionnaire has been sent to district officials, seeking explanations on permission procedures, crowd control measures, and why basic safety protocols were ignored.
The team concluded that “this was a preventable tragedy, the result of total administrative collapse.”
