In a new development in the tragic Karur stampede case, the Supreme Court has transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), making it a setback for the MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government.
The court has directed that the investigation will be monitored by a team led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi.
The stampede unfolded on September 27, during a public rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, the chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and claimed 41 lives and caused injuries to hundreds of others.
A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria passed the order following multiple petitions, including those filed by victims’ families and Vijar’s party, TVK. The TVK had sought a central investigation, citing doubts over the independence of the Tamil Nadu police.
A three-member committee headed by Justice Ajay Rastogi will oversee the CBI probe—two IPS officers not below the rank of inspector general, from outside Tamil Nadu, will also be a part of the committee.
In a strong directive issued on October 3, the Madras High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an Inspector General of Police to investigate the Karur stampede incident.
The court came down heavily on Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) workers, criticizing them for their inaction during the chaos, and questioned the state government’s seemingly lenient stance towards the event’s organizers.
In a significant move aimed at public safety, the court also imposed a ban on political rallies, roadshows, and similar gatherings along state and national highways, pending the implementation of strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
