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Key Points

The DMK's newspaper Murasoli has launched a scathing attack on actor Vijay, holding him responsible for the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. The editorial argues that Vijay's delayed arrival, theatrical approach, and poor crowd management directly contributed to the disaster. Murasoli claims the actor's slow-moving convoy and decision to rope off exits worsened an already dangerous situation. The newspaper's critique suggests a calculated political spectacle that prioritized drama over human safety.

Key Points: Vijay Blamed for Karur Stampede Tragedy in Murasoli Editorial

  • DMK newspaper squarely blames Vijay for stampede mismanagement
  • Late arrival and prolonged wait cited as critical factors in crowd chaos
  • Over 25,000 supporters gathered despite 10,000 permit
  • Convoy and crowd control decisions intensified dangerous situation
2 min read

Karur stampede: DMK mouthpiece 'Murasoli' blames Vijay's delayed arrival, theatrics

DMK mouthpiece criticizes actor Vijay's delayed arrival and alleged theatrics as key factors in fatal Karur stampede that killed 41 people

"A body shroud cannot smother the truth. - Murasoli Editorial"

Chennai, Oct 1

In a sharply worded editorial on Wednesday, the DMK's newspaper 'Murasoli' squarely blamed actor and TVK founder Vijay for the September 27 stampede in Karur that claimed 41 lives.

The editorial accused Vijay of "irresponsibility" for failing to arrive on time and alleged the disaster was aggravated by deliberate political spectacle.

"Who prevented him from arriving on time? Who stopped him from consoling grieving families? Was it part of a calculated plan to prolong anticipation and keep the crowd from dispersing?" the paper asked, adding that the tragedy could have been averted with basic crowd management and timely presence.

Rejecting claims that a power cut triggered panic, Murasoli cited Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) chief engineer Rajalakshmi, who clarified that electricity was briefly switched off only to remove spectators who had climbed a transformer and restored before Vijay arrived.

"Such rumours are floated to mask responsibility," the paper charged.

The editorial also dismissed suggestions of inadequate policing, noting that while permission was sought for 10,000 attendees, nearly 25,000 turned up and about 500 police personnel were deployed -- "a ratio more generous than usual".

It reminded that Vijay himself publicly thanked the police for security before his speech began. However, the actor's late arrival -- reportedly at 7.10 p.m., eight hours after supporters began gathering -- came under strong criticism.

The paper said Vijay's slow-moving convoy from Tiruchi to Karur, refusal to heed police advice to stop outside the overcrowded venue, and the decision to rope off exits worsened the situation. Scarcity of drinking water and the exhaustion of waiting for hours, combined with fresh cadres from other districts trailing the convoy, were cited as factors that deepened the chaos.

Most victims were from Karur, Dindigul, Erode, Salem and Tiruppur. "It was not the DMK that delayed him. It was not the DMK that stopped him from comforting the bereaved. Having created the conditions that led to the stampede, to now shift the blame is as cruel as the loss of lives itself," the editorial concluded, adding: "A body shroud cannot smother the truth."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While Murasoli has valid points about crowd management, this feels like political targeting. The administration also shares responsibility for allowing such a large gathering without proper arrangements. Water, medical facilities, crowd control - all were inadequate.
S
Sarah B
Eight hours of waiting in the heat without proper facilities? This is criminal negligence. The organizers, local administration, and Vijay's team all failed these innocent people. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
A
Arjun K
As someone from Tamil Nadu, I've seen how political rallies are managed. When 25,000 people show up for 10,000 capacity venue, disaster is waiting to happen. Both the organizers and authorities should be held accountable. No excuses.
K
Karthik V
The slow-moving convoy and blocking exits shows complete disregard for public safety. When you're a public figure with mass following, you have greater responsibility. This tragedy was completely avoidable with better planning and timely arrival.
M
Michael C
While I understand the criticism, let's not forget that the police and local administration approved this event. They should have anticipated the crowd size and taken preventive measures. Multiple failures led to this tragedy, not just one person's delay.

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