SC To Decide On Independent Karur Stampede Probe Tomorrow

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on Monday regarding petitions challenging the Madras High Court’s directive for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Karur stampede.

A tragic incident that claimed 41 lives and injured over 100 people.

According to the causelist on the apex court’s website, a Bench comprising Justices JK  Maheshwari and NV Anjaria will announce its decision on October 13 concerning multiple petitions seeking an independent investigation into the tragedy.

Actor-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has requested that a former Supreme Court judge lead the probe.

Others, including BJP leader Uma Anandan, are pressing for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry.

The stampede, one of Tamil Nadu’s most severe crowd-control failures in recent years, sent shockwaves across the nation. It raised serious concerns about public safety at political events.

Earlier, the Madras High Court had formed an SIT under IPS officer Asra Garg to investigate the incident. Meanwhile, the court rejected a petition seeking a CBI probe.

In its September 3 order, the Madras High Court criticised TVK’s political leadership. The court said they abandoned their followers in the aftermath of the disaster.

“Shockingly, the programme organisers, including the party leader, fled the venue, leaving their cadres, supporters, and fans behind. They showed neither remorse, responsibility, nor regret,” observed a single-judge Bench led by Justice N Senthilkumar.

The court strongly condemned Vijay, the organisers, and party members for fleeing immediately after the stampede.

“Such a party should have taken immediate action to rescue and assist people caught in the crowd, which included many women, children, and young individuals who tragically lost their lives,” it added.

In its special leave petition (SLP), TVK Secretary Aadhav Arjuna challenged what the party termed ‘unverified and prejudicial observations’ by the Madras High Court.

The petition claimed that TVK leaders and cadres had promptly coordinated relief and medical aid. This action was taken as soon as reports of fainting individuals emerged.

The Madras High Court directed the SIT to carry out a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation.

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