SC Orders CBI Probe into Karur Stampede at Vijay Rally

Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into Karur Stampede at Vijay’s TVK Rally, Sets Up Monitoring Panel

Apex Court Says Fair Investigation Is Citizens’ Right, Appoints Former Judge to Supervise Probe

Tragedy Claimed 41 Lives Amid Overcrowding at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Event

By Our Legal Correspondent

New Delhi: October 13, 2025:

The Supreme Court of India has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede tragedy that claimed at least 41 lives during a rally organized by actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on September 27, 2025. The court emphasized that a fair and impartial investigation is the right of every citizen and constituted a three-member supervisory committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to oversee the probe.

The decision came after multiple petitions challenged the Madras High Court’s order directing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. The petitioners, including TVK, had sought an independent inquiry, citing concerns about impartiality if the investigation remained solely with the Tamil Nadu Police.

The Supreme Court’s Order

A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria delivered the order on October 13, 2025. The court directed that:

The CBI will investigate the stampede.
A three-member supervisory committee will monitor the probe.
The committee will be led by Justice Ajay Rastogi, with two senior Tamil Nadu-cadre IPS officers (not natives of the state) assisting him.
The CBI must submit monthly progress reports to the committee.

The bench observed:

“An impartial probe is the right of every citizen. This matter involves fundamental rights, and to allay concerns, we are handing over the investigation to the CBI.”

Background of the Tragedy

The stampede occurred at Velusamypuram in Karur district, where TVK had organized a massive rally.

Permission was granted for around 10,000 attendees, but police estimates suggest over 25,000 people gathered.
The sudden surge of the crowd led to chaos, with poor crowd management and lack of basic facilities like drinking water cited as major factors.
The tragedy left 41 people dead and over 100 injured, sparking widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu.

Legal Proceedings Leading to the Supreme Court

Initially, the Madras High Court had ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. However, TVK and other petitioners challenged this, arguing that:

The High Court’s order went beyond the original plea, which had only sought a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for political rallies.
A probe by Tamil Nadu Police officers could raise doubts about impartiality.

The Supreme Court questioned the propriety of the High Court’s decision, noting that a single bench in Chennai proceeded with the matter even though a division bench in Madurai was already hearing related petitions. Justice Maheshwari remarked:

“In my experience of over 15 years as a judge, a single bench holds back if the division bench has taken cognisance.”

Tamil Nadu Government’s Stand

The Tamil Nadu government defended the SIT, arguing that:

The SIT was formed by the High Court, not at the state’s behest.
The officers included in the SIT were known for their honesty and independence.
There was no reason to question their integrity.

However, the Supreme Court felt that a CBI probe under independent supervision would better serve public confidence.

FIR and Criminal Charges

Following the tragedy, an FIR was registered at Karur Town Police Station. Those named include:

Mathiyazhagan, TVK’s Karur (North) district secretary
Bussy Anand, TVK general secretary
C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar, TVK joint general secretary

They were booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for:

Culpable homicide
Attempt to commit culpable homicide
Endangering life of others

Political and Public Reactions

The tragedy has triggered intense political debate in Tamil Nadu.

TVK supporters argue that the state government failed to provide adequate security and crowd management.
Ruling DMK leaders have accused TVK of negligence, saying the party underestimated the risks of overcrowding.
Opposition parties, including the BJP, have demanded accountability and claimed the tragedy was preventable.

Public anger has been fuelled by reports of inadequate facilities at the venue, including the absence of drinking water and poor emergency response.

Why the Supreme Court’s Decision Matters

The ruling has several important implications:

Restoring Public Confidence
- By transferring the probe to the CBI, the court has sought to ensure neutrality and transparency.
Setting a Precedent
- The case highlights how courts may intervene when state-level investigations are questioned.
Accountability in Political Rallies
- The tragedy underscores the urgent need for clear SOPs for large gatherings, especially political events.
Balancing State and Central Powers
- The decision reflects the judiciary’s role in balancing state autonomy with citizens’ rights when impartiality is at stake.

Expert Opinions

Constitutional lawyer R. Venkataraman said:
“The Supreme Court has rightly emphasized that impartiality is central to justice. This decision will reassure the victims’ families.”
Political analyst Meera Krishnan noted:
“The tragedy has political overtones because it involves Vijay’s TVK, a rising force in Tamil Nadu politics. The CBI probe will be closely watched.”

Looking Ahead

The CBI will now begin its investigation under the supervision of Justice Ajay Rastogi’s committee. Monthly reports will be submitted, and the findings could have serious legal and political consequences.

For TVK, the probe is a test of credibility as it seeks to establish itself as a major political force. For the Tamil Nadu government, the case is a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in mass gatherings.

Conclusion

The Karur stampede tragedy has shaken Tamil Nadu and raised urgent questions about crowd management, political accountability, and citizens’ rights. By ordering a CBI probe with independent supervision, the Supreme Court has sought to ensure justice for the victims and restore public trust.

As the investigation unfolds, the case will likely shape future policies on political rallies and public safety in India.