SC verdict today on TVK’s push for impartial inquiry into Karur tragedy
The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict today at 10:30 am on Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) plea for an independent probe into the Karur stampede. The tragedy during Vijay’s rally in September killed at least 40 people and sparked a political and legal storm across Tamil Nadu.
Earlier, TVK demanded a court-monitored investigation led by a retired Supreme Court judge. The party argued that the state police could not conduct a fair inquiry since the incident involved political interests. TVK approached the Supreme Court after the Madras High Court formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) made up of Tamil Nadu police officers.
Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai agreed to hear the case along with a similar plea filed by BJP leader Uma Anandan. She had also sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the same incident. Both petitions questioned the credibility of the state-led SIT and sought independent oversight.
In its plea, TVK alleged a possible conspiracy behind the stampede. The party claimed that miscreants may have triggered chaos deliberately. It urged the Supreme Court to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation to restore public confidence.
Meanwhile, police investigations pointed to lapses in crowd control by TVK organisers. The Karur town police filed an FIR against TVK’s district secretary Madhiazhagan, general secretary Bussy Anand, and joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar. They face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide and endangering public safety.
Officials said the organisers ignored safety instructions. Police had asked them to stop Vijay’s campaign bus 50 metres from the stage, but they insisted on parking closer. When Vijay delayed stepping out of the vehicle, the restless crowd surged forward, causing a deadly crush.
The police also said TVK sought permission for 10,000 attendees but over 25,000 people gathered. The party, they added, failed to arrange enough water or crowd barriers. “We warned them about overcrowding, but the organisers didn’t follow our conditions,” said senior officer Devasirvatham.
As the Supreme Court prepares to rule, the focus remains on accountability. TVK wants justice through an impartial probe, while the state defends its handling of the investigation. Today’s verdict will determine whether the inquiry stays with the state or shifts under the Supreme Court’s supervision.
