Tamil Nadu government has released videos showing violations of safety norms during actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, which reportedly attracted a crowd of over 25,000, more than double the expected number. This announcement comes in response to concerns raised about a stampede that occurred at the event.

During a press conference, senior officials, including IAS officer P Amudha and Health Secretary P Senthilkumar, presented video evidence of TVK cadres climbing on rooftops and breaking through police cordons. They explained that the rally's chosen venue was deemed unsuitable due to its proximity to a petrol bunk and a sewage canal. Amudha stated, "The estimated crowd of 10,000 (by TVK) doubled; also crowd that followed actor Vijay took the turnout to 25,000 plus."

The government clarified that power supply was not interrupted during the rally, despite claims to the contrary. Officials noted that the crowd began to swell from the afternoon, leading to dehydration and exhaustion among attendees. As Vijay's vehicle approached the designated spot, the crowd surged forward, causing chaos. ADGP S Davidson Devasirvatham mentioned that police had instructed Vijay to stop 50 metres before the designated area due to overcrowding, but the organisers did not comply.

In a video message, Vijay defended himself, stating he had chosen the rally locations carefully and accused the government of vendetta. He challenged Chief Minister M K Stalin, saying, "Do whatever you want. I will be at home or in the office."

The government also reported that prior to the stampede, 34 individuals were hospitalised for heat stroke in Namakkal, where Vijay had addressed a meeting earlier that day. Additionally, the rally led to multiple road accidents, with Karur recording the highest number of injuries at 114.

The situation has sparked a blame game between the Tamil Nadu government and Vijay's party, with both sides presenting their narratives regarding the events that unfolded during the rally.