EPS hits out at DMK govt over death of devotees in Kallalagar festival

CHENNAI: Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday condemned the DMK government over death of devotees by drowning and stampede in the famous Madurai Kallalagar festival and attributed the fatal incidents to the government's poor arrangements to ensure their safety.

The most shocking incident during the festival was the brutal killing of a youth by a group of men armed with deadly weapons.

They freely wandered after murdering the youth, sending fear among the devotees.

The video footage of the murderers dancing after killing the youth is still telecasted in news channels, said EPS in a statement.

It is unclear whether the police department has taken action in connection with the murder.

This creates a doubt whether the state intelligence wing is still functioning and the law and order is under the control of the police department, he denounced.

Going back to the death of devotees by stampede and drowning, EPS said that he flagged the issue in the state assembly regarding the security arrangements for the festival.

Responding to the issue, the minister guaranteed that no untoward incident would take place in the festival this year and assured adequate safety arrangements.

However, three devotees drowned and one was killed in a stampede.

He recalled the drowning of volunteers in the temple festival in Nanganallur and said the chain of such untoward incidents during temple festivals are a cause of concern.

He demanded the government to be more cautious and take necessary measures for temple festivals in the future to ensure the safety and security of the devotees.