India SC Orders CBI Probe into Karur Stampede; Ex-Judge to Oversee Inquiry

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu, following conflicting orders from two benches of the Madras High Court in the case of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam v. P.H. Dinesh and others.

 

At least 41 people died during a political rally organised by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, on 27 September. The party had approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court’s decision for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

 

A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria ordered that a three-member committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, oversee the investigation. Two Indian Police Service officers, of Tamil Nadu cadre but not native to the state and of at least Inspector General rank, will be appointed by Justice Rastogi to assist the panel.

 

“Looking at the facts, the issue has a bearing on the fundamental rights of citizens. The investigation is to be handed over to the CBI, and a three-member committee will supervise the probe,” the Court stated. The panel will decide its own procedures, and the CBI must submit monthly reports to it.

 

The Supreme Court also noted concerns over the Madras High Court issuing two contradictory orders: the Madurai Bench declining a CBI probe, and the principal Bench directing an SIT investigation.

 

Background

The stampede occurred when crowds gathered to see Vijay speak at the Karur rally. On 3 October, Justice N. Senthilkumar of the Madras High Court had directed an SIT probe, criticising the state’s investigation as inadequate. He noted that no criminal case had been registered in connection with two alleged collisions involving Vijay’s bus during the stampede. While Vijay was not named in any FIR, a case was later filed against his campaign vehicle driver.

 

The High Court’s order stemmed from a petition seeking a standard operating protocol for road shows and rallies. Justice Senthilkumar had remarked: “This Court cannot close its eyes, remain a mute spectator, and shrink from its constitutional responsibilities.” The court also strongly criticised TVK’s conduct after the tragedy, prompting the party to appeal to the Supreme Court.

 

TVK argued that the High Court’s observations against the party were suo motu and passed without hearing the petitioner, and requested an independent CBI investigation. Other litigants had filed similar petitions regarding the incident.

 

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