Karur Stampede: ADGP Devasirvatham Clears Air – Not Intelligence Failure, But Crowd Management Under Scrutiny

In the aftermath of the tragic stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which resulted in the loss of four lives and left nine injured, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M. Devasirvatham has stepped forward to address swirling speculations, categorically stating that the incident was not a failure of intelligence.

Speaking to the media, ADGP Devasirvatham clarified that while the event was indeed marred by tragedy, the focus of the ongoing investigation has now shifted firmly towards potential lapses in crowd management.

The stampede occurred during the district-level MGR centenary celebrations, an event that saw a significant gathering of people.

Debunking initial reports suggesting a security intelligence oversight, Devasirvatham emphasized that all necessary protocols were followed, and adequate police personnel were deployed.

"It was not an intelligence failure," the ADGP asserted, detailing the robust security arrangements. He confirmed the presence of a senior ADGP, a Deputy Inspector General (DIG), three Superintendents of Police (SPs), ten Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and numerous inspectors and sub-inspectors, among others.

He also noted that all required permissions for the event had been duly obtained.

The tragic surge, which led to the stampede, reportedly occurred when a large number of women, eager to meet Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, rushed towards the stage. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations suggest that the situation was compounded by expectations of receiving gifts such as pressure cookers, mixer grinders, and fans, which were reportedly distributed at the event.

This sudden, uncontrolled movement of the crowd created a bottleneck, leading to the devastating crush.

While ruling out intelligence failure, ADGP Devasirvatham confirmed that a thorough probe is underway to ascertain the precise circumstances that led to the breakdown in crowd control. "We are investigating the crowd management lapses.

We are ascertaining how it happened," he stated, assuring that accountability would be established.

In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister K. Palaniswami visited the injured at the hospital to offer his condolences and support. The government has also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 for individuals with minor injuries, providing some relief to the affected.

The MGR centenary celebrations are a series of events being held across various districts of Tamil Nadu.

Devasirvatham highlighted that previous celebrations had proceeded without any such untoward incidents, making the Karur stampede a particularly shocking anomaly that demands a comprehensive review of crowd management strategies for large public gatherings.