Karur rally stampede: TVK requested power cut during Vijay’s speech, claims TNEB chief

The chief engineer of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) in Karur has made a significant disclosure concerning the stampede at the Karur TVK rally, which resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals. The chief engineer asserted that the power supply remained uninterrupted during TVK chief Vijay's speech.

The engineer indicated that the TVK west secretary had submitted a request to TNEB on September 26 for a power cut during Vijay's address, but this request was denied on the same day. "All the images clearly show that the lights were operational. The generators and focus lights installed by the organisers were turned off due to the crowd's presence. The TVK west secretary's request for a power cut during Vijay's speech at the rally was promptly rejected," the engineer stated.

'Conspiracy,' cries Vijay. 

In the meantime, actor-politician Vijay has claimed a "political conspiracy" and has approached the Madras High Court's Madurai bench, seeking a CBI or independent investigation into the incident.

The number of fatalities from the stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay's campaign rally in Karur has now increased to 41, following the passing of 65-year-old Suguna, who had been on ventilator support in an intensive care unit.

Among those who lost their lives are 18 women, 13 men, five young girls, and five young boys. Of the 41 victims, 34 hailed from the Karur district, while two each came from the Erode, Tiruppur, and Dindigul districts, and one from the Salem district.

The large crowd at Vijay's rally on Saturday evening reportedly became chaotic, resulting in widespread panic. Numerous attendees fainted and were transported to nearby hospitals. The overcrowding at the venue is believed to have contributed to the tragedy.

A day earlier, Vijay announced his intention to provide financial aid of Rs 20 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh to those injured. In a heartfelt post on X, he conveyed his feelings of being "at a loss for words" and mentioned that the faces of the deceased kept appearing in his thoughts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the families of the 39 individuals who initially perished in the stampede would each receive Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Additionally, an amount of Rs 50,000 was allocated for those who sustained injuries.

Investigation

In the aftermath of the incident, the Karur police initiated a case and accused TVK office-bearers of negligence. Forensic teams conducted examinations in various locations, including a sewer where a few bodies were allegedly discovered. As a sign of respect, shops and businesses in the vicinity were closed.

TVK Deputy General Secretary Nirmal Kumar stated that the party had requested an unbiased investigation. At the same time, Vijay limited his remarks to a social media post regarding financial support for the victims.