Karur, Tamil Nadu: ADGP Law and Order, S. Davidson Devasirvatham, on Sunday, addressed the circumstances surrounding the Karur stampede, explaining police decisions regarding the event venue.

“They (TVK) requested permission to conduct this event at a place called Light House Raundana. This was not accepted by the police because it was considered a high-risk place, with a petrol pump on the left and the Amaravati River bridge on the right. So the officers decided it was not advisable to give permission there. They requested another place and that was also inspected, and they were told that the capacity of people they were going to bring would not be able to be accommodated there. So, keeping this as an alternative, we suggested this place because recently a political party had organised an event there with about 12,000 to 15,000 people, and it had passed off very peacefully. So, they also went and saw the place. Finally, they agreed. They gave us in writing that we could be allowed to hold the event there.”

Police response

“No, it was not an intelligence failure… There were adequate streetlights there… Yes, some conditions were violated. A case has been registered and the investigation will reveal who all are involved.”

Investigation ongoing

Police have confirmed that the investigation will determine the responsibility for the violations and assess the circumstances that led to the tragedy.