• Source:JND
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K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief, known as a staunch critic of TVK chief Joseph Vijay, has blamed DMK government after a deadly stampede broke out at a rally of the actor-turned-politician that claimed 40 lives. The BJP leader did blame Vijay but only over the choice of timing of the rally.

"Vijay should act responsibly while holding mega rallies. The weekend campaign was the reason for the deaths of women and children, but we should support him instead of cornering him," news agency PTI quoted Annamalai as saying.

ALSO READ: Karur Stampede Took Place As Vijay’s Delay Drew Crowd From Next Campaign Stop, Say Police

Coming down heavily on DMK, Annamalai demanded a CBI investigation into the tragedy, stating that the police failed in crowd management despite the anticipation of a huge influx due to Vijay's popularity.

Speaking to the media, Annamalai said, "The DGP claimed 500 policemen were deployed, but there were less than 100 on the street. Permission was given for a rally in a narrow lane where even ambulances could not enter. Police should think a hundred times before granting such approvals."

He demanded that the responsible officers be suspended, stressing that only the CBI probe can bring out the truth. The stampede broke out on Saturday evening after which the injured were rushed to the Karur government hospital. Taking immediate action, CM MK Stalin directed all private hospitals to admit the injured without taking money, as claimed by former minister Senthil Balaji, who comes from Karur and reached the hospital after the incident.

ALSO READ: ‘He Took His Mother To See His Hero’: Brother Of Woman Killed In Tamil Nadu Rally Details Tragic Stampede

A judicial commission under Justice Aruna Ganeshan was formed to probe the incident. Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia to the kin of each of the deceased. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Governor RN Ravi and CM Stalin and sought a detailed report into the accident.

Earlier in the day, the Tamil Nadu ADGP held a press conference and claimed 500 cops were deployed at the event. He claimed that Vijay arrived at the event several hours later than what was scheduled, which led to the convergence of people from the Namakkal campaign site, where Vijay was bound to visit next.

The swelled crowd overwhelmed the police causing a stampede. On the other hand, TVK has alleged a criminal conspiracy behind the stampede.

Vijay's party has moved to the Madras High Court, seeking an independent investigation without any involvement of the state agencies.