'Administrative Failure, Mismanagement': NDA MPs' Report Flags Negligence In Karur Tragedy

The NDA MPs‘ fact-finding team, investigating the stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur on September 27, has attributed the tragedy to “complete administrative failure and mismanagement.”

The team concluded that the incident, which claimed 47 lives and left nearly 60 injured, was entirely preventable and was caused by “gross negligence” on the part of local authorities.

According to the report, the crowd began gathering as early as 9 am

on the fateful day, although Vijay’s arrival was scheduled for noon, and he reached the venue only around 7 pm.

Among the most heart-wrenching cases, the team cited a father who lost his two daughters, aged 12 and 8, in the melee.

Some victims reportedly fell into open drains near the venue and

were later found dead.

The fact-finding team also found that the power supply failed shortly after the chaos began, and the backup generator did not start, plunging the venue into darkness and worsening the panic.

The report noted that the District Magistrate had approved the event venue despite its limited capacity and “failed to ensure basic crowd control and safety measures.”

The MPs, in the report, emphasised that the tragedy was entirely preventable and demanded strict action against the officials responsible for approving and managing the event.

They also noted that the District Magistrate avoided meeting them during their visit, raising questions about transparency.

Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by senior IPS officer Asra Garg, on Sunday conducted its probe into the Karur stampede case.

The SIT was set up on the basis of the Madras High Court order on October 3, and comprises 11 police officers, including two Superintendent of Police officers, among others.

During the investigation, Garg on Sunday visited the stampede venue.

Later, speaking to reporters, he said, “Honourable High Court has formed the Special Investigation Team. As you all see, we are conducting the investigation today by visiting the spots (where the incident occurred).”

To a query, he said, apart from him, two Superintendent of Police officers, one additional SP, two Deputy Superintendent of Police officials and five inspectors are part of the team.

“I cannot share any other details today,” he said in his brief interaction with the media.

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