At least 41 people died in a stampede during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Karur on September 27.
The Supreme Court ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident after multiple petitions questioned the impartiality of the Tamil Nadu Police. The court appointed retired Justice Ajay Rastogi to oversee the investigation.
TVK argued that the state police lacked neutrality and raised concerns about a possible conspiracy. The party challenged the High Court’s earlier decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) composed only of state officers.
The rally drew over 27,000 attendees, nearly triple the expected turnout. Police cited a seven-hour delay in Vijay’s arrival as a contributing factor. BJP leaders Uma Anandan and G S Mani also filed petitions demanding a CBI inquiry.
The Supreme Court emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. The tragedy sparked national debate on crowd control and political responsibility.
Justice Rastogi’s committee will monitor the CBI’s progress. The investigation aims to uncover whether negligence or foul play led to the deadly stampede.
The incident has cast a shadow over Vijay’s political debut. Critics accused him of abandoning the venue and failing to show remorse. TVK denied the claims and reiterated its commitment to justice.
The Karur stampede remains one of the deadliest political rally disasters in recent memory. The CBI’s findings could reshape public trust in political event safety.
