The Supreme Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an independent probe into the Karur stampede that took place on September 27 during a public gathering organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a political outfit led by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The tragic incident resulted in 41 deaths and left several others injured.
A bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice N.V. Anjaria observed that the incident raised serious concerns regarding citizens’ fundamental rights, emphasizing the need for a fair and impartial investigation by a central agency. To ensure transparency, the Court appointed former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to oversee the probe. Justice Rastogi will head a three-member Supervisory Committee and select two senior IPS officers (not belonging to the Tamil Nadu cadre) to assist him in monitoring the investigation. The CBI has been directed to submit monthly progress reports to this committee.
The apex court also criticized the Madras High Court (Chennai Bench) for constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Tamil Nadu police officers, noting that the High Court’s original mandate was limited to framing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for public gatherings rather than initiating an independent criminal probe. The bench further questioned the procedural propriety of the Chennai Bench taking up the case, since Karur district falls under the jurisdiction of the Madurai Bench, and there was no formal transfer order from the Chief Justice of the High Court.
The Supreme Court has given the Tamil Nadu government eight weeks to file its response and clarified that its order is prima facie in nature and does not reflect any final view on the merits of the case. The CBI investigation will now proceed under the supervision of the committee to ensure accountability and fairness in uncovering the causes and responsibility for the stampede.
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