SC Orders CBI Probe into Vijay’s TVK Rally Stampede

New Delhi, Oct 13: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur, observing that a “fair and impartial investigation is a right of the citizens.”

A three-member panel led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi has been constituted to supervise the investigation, which will be carried out by the CBI.

The Tamil Nadu government told the apex court that the family of one of the victims had denied filing the petition that led to the CBI probe, calling it a “fraud on the court.” The bench clarified that its order was interim and said it would examine the issue further. It also noted that the objection would not affect the probe since other petitions had also sought a CBI inquiry.

Referring to past cases on protection of democratic rights, the court said that an independent probe was essential. “There can’t be doubt that fair and impartial investigation is the right of the citizens,” it noted.

Reacting to the order, TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna accused the Tamil Nadu government of trying to falsely implicate the party. He alleged that police mishandled the crowd and that the ruling DMK attempted to “suppress” TVK.

The Karur stampede, which occurred on September 27, claimed several lives, including those of women and children. The tragedy unfolded after thousands of supporters gathered to attend Vijay’s rally in Veluswamypuram, far exceeding the expected turnout.

Officials said inadequate crowd control, weak barricading, and lack of emergency measures contributed to the disaster. Reports said more than 25,000–30,000 people attended the rally, though organisers had planned for only 10,000. (Agencies)