Karur rally stampede: Supreme Court reserves decision on pleas seeking probe

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on multiple pleas seeking an investigation into the Karur stampede during a rally led by actor and TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) chief Vijay on September 27. The tragedy claimed 41 lives and injured many others.

Petitions were filed by TVK, families of the victims, and other parties. Several families have demanded that a central agency conduct an independent investigation, citing a lack of confidence in the state police. TVK, meanwhile, challenged the Madras High Court’s decision to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), questioning the independence of the state police and objecting to adverse remarks against its leaders, including allegations of failing to protect the crowd.

During the hearing, a bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria questioned the Tamil Nadu government on how the rally was handled, particularly regarding police preparedness and crowd management. The Court also asked why a single bench in Chennai took cognizance of the matter when the Madurai bench, which has jurisdiction over Karur, was already dealing with related issues concerning standard operating procedures (SOPs) for rallies and roadshows. The Supreme Court emphasized that the matter should not be politicized.

Victims’ families alleged negligence by the police, including a sudden lathi-charge on a peaceful crowd, allowing unregistered vehicles into the congested area, and permitting Vijay’s vehicle to enter a densely packed zone, which may have triggered the stampede.

The Tamil Nadu government defended the SIT probe, stating that it did not influence the selection of officers leading the investigation. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the immediate constitution of a competent SIT under officer Aasra Garg was sufficient, and there was no need for a CBI-led probe.

After hearing detailed submissions from all parties, the Supreme Court has reserved its order and will consider the arguments before issuing a final decision on the investigation.