The Tamil Nadu government has filed a fresh application before the Supreme Court seeking to withdraw the order that transferred the investigation into the Karur TVK stampede to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This marks a significant shift in the State’s approach to the case, which has remained politically and legally sensitive since the tragedy unfolded.
The stampede occurred on September 27 during a welfare distribution event organised by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur’s Veluswamypuram locality. A massive turnout, coupled with overcrowding and inadequate crowd management, resulted in a deadly crush that killed 41 people — most of them women — and injured several others. Videos and eyewitness accounts that emerged afterward pointed to chaotic scenes, with people scrambling for space and help as the crowd surged uncontrollably.
Initially, the Tamil Nadu police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. However, multiple petitions were soon filed before the Supreme Court alleging that the State’s investigation lacked impartiality. Some petitioners argued that the proximity of government officials to the event organizers raised concerns about bias, and requested an independent probe.
Responding to these appeals, the Supreme Court, in October, ordered the CBI to take over the investigation. To ensure added oversight, the Court appointed a three-member panel headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to supervise the probe and ensure that the agency examined all angles thoroughly.
Now, the Tamil Nadu government is contesting that transfer. In its recall plea, the State has claimed that the petition that triggered the CBI order was filed without the genuine sanction or knowledge of the individuals on whose behalf it was supposedly submitted. The government has characterized this as a “fraud on the court,” arguing that the basis for the CBI takeover itself is tainted.
The State maintains that its own investigating agencies are fully capable of conducting a professional and comprehensive enquiry. It has pointed to the progress already made by the SIT and suggested that central intervention was unnecessary.
However, the move has revived political friction. Critics — including opposition parties, some legal observers, and grieving families — argue that the State’s request appears to be an attempt to regain control over an investigation where neutrality is crucial. They insist that a central agency, supervised by a court-appointed committee, offers the best chance at an unbiased outcome.
The Court’s decision will determine whether the CBI continues its work or whether the case reverts to the Tamil Nadu police for further action. For the families of the victims, the ruling will also shape their expectations of accountability and closure.
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