Supreme Court orders CBI probe into Karur stampede; retired judge to monitor investigation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives during a rally of actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on September 27.

The Court also appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to head a committee that will monitor the CBI investigation. A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria emphasised the need for an independent inquiry into the incident.

The Supreme Court’s order came on petitions filed by TVK challenging the October 3 order of the Madras High Court, which had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) composed solely of Tamil Nadu Police officers. The party, represented by General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, objected to the composition of the SIT and raised concerns over adverse remarks made by the High Court against TVK and Vijay.

Other petitions had also sought a CBI investigation, challenging the High Court’s refusal to transfer the case to the central agency. During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the High Court’s process, noting that the SIT had been constituted in a petition seeking a Standard Operating Protocol for political rallies. The bench also questioned how the principal bench in Chennai could pass orders on a case falling under the jurisdiction of the Madurai Bench.

The Court further scrutinised why TVK was allowed to hold the rally when the AIADMK party was denied permission for the same venue due to narrow passages. It also expressed concern over postmortem procedures, noting that 30–40 bodies were examined at midnight and cremated by 4 am.

(With LiveLaw inputs.)