A tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, held by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has left at least 40 people dead and more than a hundred injured, sparking an intense blame game between the party and the state machinery.

The police have suggested that Vijay’s late arrival and inadequate arrangements at the venue were key factors in the chaos.  The rally had been officially permitted for 10,000 attendees, but the crowd swelled far beyond that—reportedly to around 25,000 people.  Authorities claim organizers failed to provide essential facilities like drinking water and neglected to adhere to crowd-control norms.

In response, Vijay’s party TVK has accused the Tamil Nadu government and state police of a political conspiracy.