Supreme Court To Hear Appeal For CBI Probe Into Karur Stampede Tragedy In Tamil Nadu

The Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu has reached the Supreme Court, following an appeal against the Madras High Court’s refusal to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

The appeal was filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Anandan and was mentioned before Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, who agreed to list the case on Friday, 10 October, Bar&Bench reported.

The stampede occurred on 27 September at a rally organised by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in Veluswamypuram, where actor and party founder Vijay was campaigning.

Although the rally was permitted for around 10,000 attendees, reports suggest the crowd swelled between 25,000 and 60,000. Many had waited for hours in the heat without adequate water or facilities.

Narrow roads, electricity issues, blocked escape routes, and insufficient crowd control contributed to the chaos. At least 41 people, including women and children, lost their lives, with dozens more injured.

An FIR has been registered against several TVK functionaries, excluding Vijay, for charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and failing to ensure safety.

On 3 October, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court declined a CBI probe, noting that the Tamil Nadu Police investigation was still in its early stages.

The Bench remarked, “If aggrieved persons come to this court, we will rescue. Who are you? Don't treat this court as the political arena. If, in the investigation, something goes wrong, you come. This is the initial stage.”

The Court also recorded the state government’s assurance that no rallies would be permitted near state or national highways until Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are formalised.

Meanwhile, the principal bench of the Madras High Court had separately set up a special investigation team to examine the incident. The Supreme Court will now consider the plea for a CBI probe.

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