Officials estimated that while 10,000 cadres were expected, nearly 27,000 gathered at the venue.

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu director-general of Police (in-charge) G. Venkataraman said TVK was granted permission to conduct the meeting between 3pm and 10pm, but the party’s social media handle called on supporters to gather from noon.Vijay arrived only at 7.40pm. As he entered the venue, large numbers of cadres followed his vehicle, merged with the crowd already present, leading to a sudden surge, the DGP said. Officials estimated that while 10,000 cadres were expected, nearly 27,000 gathered at the venue. Police said 500 personnel were deployed, but the location’s layout made it difficult to assign additional manpower.

Venkataraman said responsibility for crowd management was also placed with the organisers, as per the undertaking given to the police. “Why the accident happened and why 40 people died, we cannot comment now. The state govt has announced a judicial commission led by a retired judge to probe the incident. We are not blaming anyone, but these are the facts,” he said.Also read: What caused Karur stampede? Crowd panicked after Vijay sang song criticising V Senthilbalaji as ‘10-rupee minister’, say eyewitnessesAt least 40 people were killed in a stampede during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay on Saturday night, officials said. Another 81 people were hospitalised.Witnesses gave differing accounts of what sparked the stampede. Many reported that chaos began as soon as Vijay started speaking. The actor was heard urging the crowd and police to stay calm. A public announcement also warned that Ashmika, a nine-year-old girl, was missing, prompting Vijay to request police assistance. He then cut short his speech and left the venue.Also read: 39 dead in Karur stampede: Photos capture massive turnout, panic at Vijay’s rally; 2km stretch packed with crowd