BJP leader K. Annamalai on Sunday demanded a CBI investigation into the Karur rally stampede that killed 40 people, blaming alleged lapses by the state police and local administration for the tragedy.

Speaking to reporters, Annamalai said the state police and intelligence should have anticipated the size of the crowd and deployed adequate security.

“It is not Vijay’s fault. It is for the state police and intelligence to anticipate the crowd and deploy the police force adequately. Why did the police give them permission for 7 hours? Give it for 2 hours… As the Tamil Nadu BJP, we are demanding a CBI inquiry. The state CM wants a one-man former judge inquiry commission, and he also handpicked the judge. How can it be a fair inquiry?” he said.

The massive crowd at Vijay’s rally on Saturday

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