The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was directed by the Supreme Court on Monday to take over the duty of conducting the inquiry into the Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu, which killed at least 41 people during a rally on September 27 that actor-politician Vijay addressed at.
A bench headed by Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria stated that the incident had "shaken the national conscience" and emphasised the need for a "fair and impartial" investigation.
Court questions Madras HC’s earlier decision
During an earlier hearing on Friday, the apex court questioned the Madras High Court’s decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the probe. Justice Maheshwari remarked, “We are unable to understand how this order was passed? How did the single bench in Chennai proceed when the division bench in Madurai was already considering the matter?”
The Tamil Nadu government told the court that the SIT was formed as per the high court’s directive, not on the state’s recommendation. It also defended the officers chosen for the team, stating they were “honest and independent” and that there was “no reason to question their integrity.”
Rally crowd exceeded permitted limit
The stampede took place when a massive crowd gathered at Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur. According to a Hindustan Times report, police said that while permission was sought for 10,000 attendees, the turnout swelled to nearly 25,000.
An FIR registered at the Karur town police station named TVK’s local leaders, district secretary Madhiazhagan, general secretary Bussy Anand and joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide and endangering life.
Initial findings pointed to poor crowd control and inadequate facilities, including lack of drinking water and failure to comply with safety conditions set by the authorities.
