SC to Hear Plea Seeking CBI Probe into Karur Stampede

Supreme Court to Hear Plea for CBI Probe into Karur Stampede Tragedy

Madras High Court had rejected similar petitions citing jurisdictional issues

Opposition, victims’ families demand impartial investigation into preventable disaster

By Our Legal Correspondent

New Delhi: October 07, 2025: The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede tragedy, which claimed the lives of 41 people and injured over 100 during a political rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu.

The plea challenges the Madras High Court’s refusal to order a CBI investigation, with petitioners arguing that the Tamil Nadu police cannot conduct an impartial probe due to prior statements made by senior officials. The apex court has listed the matter for hearing on October 10, 2025, before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai.

The Karur Stampede: What Happened

The tragedy unfolded on September 27, 2025, during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Velusamypuram, Karur district.

Over 30,000 people gathered at the venue, which had a capacity of only 2,000–3,000.
Many had been waiting since morning in extreme heat and humidity, expecting Vijay to arrive by noon.
However, Vijay reached the venue only around 7 PM, after attending another event in Namakkal.
As he climbed onto a campaign bus to greet supporters, the crowd surged forward, triggering a stampede.
Victims, including women and children, were trampled or suffocated in the crush.

The incident left 41 dead and more than 100 injured, sparking grief, anger, and demands for accountability.

Madras High Court’s Stand

Following the tragedy, several petitions were filed in the Madras High Court, seeking a CBI-monitored probe.

A vacation bench of Justices P. Velmurugan and G. Arul Murugan dismissed the plea, citing jurisdictional issues.
The court observed that since the incident occurred in Karur, the matter fell under the Madurai Bench of the High Court.
Instead of ordering a CBI probe, the High Court directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior IPS officer Asra Garg, Inspector General of Police (Northern Zone).
The state government also appointed a one-member judicial commission headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to conduct an inquiry.

Despite these steps, petitioners argued that the Tamil Nadu police had already pre-determined the outcome of the investigation, citing public statements by the Director General of Police (DGP).

Supreme Court’s Intervention

The petition filed in the Supreme Court by Uma Anandan, a BJP councillor from Chennai, contends that only a CBI probe can ensure impartiality.

The plea highlights that the DGP’s early statements compromised the credibility of the state investigation.
It argues that the scale of the tragedy and its political ramifications make it an “exceptional case” requiring central intervention.
The Supreme Court, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, has agreed to hear the case on October 10.

This move has reignited the debate over whether state police investigations into politically sensitive tragedies can be trusted.

Political Fallout

The Karur stampede has triggered a political storm in Tamil Nadu.

The Opposition BJP and AIADMK have accused the ruling DMK government of administrative negligence and failure to ensure crowd safety.
An NDA fact-finding team, which included MPs Hema Malini, Anurag Thakur, and Tejasvi Surya, visited the site and concluded that the tragedy was “completely preventable”.
The team’s report blamed gross mismanagement, citing the mismatch between the venue’s capacity and the massive turnout.
In the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Opposition leaders demanded accountability, with some calling for criminal charges against TVK leaders.

Meanwhile, the ruling DMK has defended its handling of the situation, pointing to the judicial commission and SIT probe already in place.

Actor-Politician Vijay Under Fire

The tragedy has also placed Vijay, one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest film stars and now the leader of TVK, under intense scrutiny.

Critics argue that his delayed arrival and the lack of proper crowd management at his rally directly contributed to the disaster.
While other political leaders, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and AIADMK’s Edappadi K. Palaniswami, visited Karur to meet victims’ families, Vijay initially limited himself to video calls with grieving families.
This move drew criticism, with many accusing him of political evasion and insensitivity.
Vijay has since promised to personally visit Karur and extend support to the victims’ families.

The incident has cast a shadow over his political debut, raising questions about his party’s preparedness to handle large-scale public events.

Victims’ Families Demand Justice

For the families of the victims, the tragedy is not just a political controversy but a personal catastrophe.

Survivors and relatives have demanded a transparent investigation and compensation.
Many believe that only a CBI probe can uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
Civil society groups have also called for stricter safety protocols for political rallies and public gatherings.

Larger Questions Raised

The Karur stampede has highlighted several systemic issues:

Crowd management failures at political rallies.
Administrative negligence in granting permissions for venues with inadequate capacity.
The role of political parties in ensuring the safety of their supporters.
The credibility of state-level investigations in politically sensitive cases.

Experts argue that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for both political leaders and administrators to prioritize public safety over political spectacle.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to order a CBI probe will be crucial.

If the court allows a CBI investigation, it could set a precedent for central intervention in similar cases.
If it upholds the High Court’s decision, the SIT and judicial commission will continue their work under state supervision.
Either way, the case is likely to have long-term political implications for Tamil Nadu, especially for Vijay’s fledgling political career.

Conclusion

The Karur stampede tragedy has shaken Tamil Nadu and raised urgent questions about political accountability, public safety, and the independence of investigations.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the plea for a CBI probe, the victims’ families and the public at large await justice. Whether the truth will emerge through a state-led SIT or a central investigation remains to be seen, but what is clear is that this was a preventable disaster that must never be repeated.