Chennai, Sept. 28 -- It was a combination of factors, primarily poor planning and the inexperience of political novices, including Vijay, heading the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the narrow stretch of the venue, and a massive turnout waiting for hours with inadequate security that led to the Karur stampede, which claimed 40 lives.
Scheduled to address the rally at 12 noon, Vijay reached the venue, Veluchamypuram, only at 7 pm, after speaking at a rally in Namakkal, where he was scheduled to speak at 8:45 am.
However, the actor left Chennai only by 8:45 am, arriving at Namakkal around 3 pm.
Though the TVK had sought permission to hold rallies at three places within Karur city, police denied permission, citing that these were densely po...