SC orders CBI probe into Karur stampede that killed 41 during TVK chief Vijay’s rally
Supreme Court orders a CBI probe into the Karur stampede during a rally by TVK chief and actor Vijay on 27 September, which left 41 persons dead and many others injured.
The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the Karur stampede during a rally led by Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, resulting in 41 deaths. The court also appointed former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to head a committee tasked with monitoring the probe, following petitions seeking an independent investigation.
Why was a CBI probe sought?
The plea for a CBI investigation was filed by Vijay’s political party, TVK and others, arguing that a fair and impartial investigation could not be conducted solely by the Tamil Nadu police.
"An independent investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court is necessary to ensure fairness and impartiality," the TVK petition stated.
The plea objected to the Madras High Court's decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising only state police officers. It also raised concerns about a possible pre-planned conspiracy by miscreants that may have contributed to the stampede.
What has been the legal process so far?
On 10 October, the Supreme Court had reserved its order on the plea. On Tuesday, a bench led by the Chief Justice of India agreed to hear BJP leader Uma Anandan’s petition challenging the high court’s earlier refusal to order a CBI probe.
Another BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, G S Mani, also filed a petition requesting a CBI investigation into the tragedy.
What were the allegations against the high court’s earlier remarks?
TVK’s plea criticised the high court for scathing remarks suggesting that Vijay and his party abandoned the venue after the stampede and failed to express remorse.
"It is essential that the investigation remains independent and free from bias, given the serious allegations of negligence and potential conspiracy," the plea argued.
What led to the stampede according to police?
Police said the rally saw a turnout of 27,000 people, nearly three times the expected 10,000. Authorities attributed the tragedy in part to a seven-hour delay in Vijay's arrival at the venue.
What happens next?
With the Supreme Court’s directive, the CBI will now take over the investigation, while the committee headed by former judge Ajay Rastogi will monitor its progress to ensure impartiality and transparency.
The case has reignited the importance of crowd management and accountability at large-scale political events and continues to draw attention from both state and national political leaders.