Supreme Court to Hear TVK’s Plea for Independent Probe into Karur Stampede
The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on petitions filed by actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party seeking an independent investigation into the Karur stampede today at 10:30 am. The TVK approached the apex court challenging a Madras High Court order that formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising only Tamil Nadu police officers.
TVK’s petition, filed by party secretary Aadhav Arjuna, argued that a state police-led SIT would not inspire public confidence and alleged a possible pre-planned conspiracy behind the stampede. Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai listed the matter for hearing on the same day the court is scheduled to hear a similar plea by BJP leader Uma Anandan seeking a CBI investigation.
The stampede at Vijay’s rally claimed at least 40 lives and led to immediate public scrutiny. An FIR filed at Karur Town Police Station named TVK officials Madhiazhagan, Bussy Anand, and CTR Nirmal Kumar under sections 105, 110, and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide, attempt to commit culpable homicide, and endangering lives.
Police stated that there was no intelligence failure, noting that Vijay arrived late to the rally, leaving the crowd waiting for hours. Officers had requested that his campaign bus stop 50 metres before the planned spot, but the organisers insisted on their original location. Vijay remained inside the vehicle for 10 minutes, which reportedly agitated the crowd.
Authorities also highlighted that the rally drew around 25,000 attendees, far exceeding the 10,000 permitted by the police. Additionally, arrangements such as drinking water were inadequate, and several conditions set by law enforcement were not followed.