Chennai: In the aftermath of the deadly stampede at a Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur that claimed 41 lives, the political party led by actor Vijay has moved the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, demanding an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The party has alleged the incident was a “planned conspiracy” targeting its leader, rejecting the state-appointed inquiry led by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan as insufficient.
TVK’s legal team, in an urgent hearing before vacation judge Justice Dandapani, claimed that the stampede was not an accident but a result of sabotage. The party’s petition included allegations that stones were thrown at the crowd and that police used baton charges against party workers, exacerbating the chaos. The court has admitted the petition and scheduled a hearing for a special bench, comprising Justices Dandapani and Jyothiraman, on September 29 at 2:15 PM. The party has also requested the court to order the preservation of all surveillance camera footage from the rally site.
TVK Petitions Court for CBI Probe into Karur Stampede as Separate Pleas Seek Party’s Derecognition
Simultaneously, the court is set to hear at least two other public interest litigations (PILs) that hold TVK responsible for the tragedy. One petition, filed by lawyer Selvakumar from Madurai, alleges gross negligence and violation of permit conditions by the party. The petition states that while permission was granted for only 10,000 people, a much larger crowd, including children, women, and the elderly, was allowed to gather in a congested area. It seeks the cancellation of TVK’s recognition and a compensation of Rs. 1 crore for the family of each deceased victim.
Another petition, filed by lawyer Murugesan from Sivaganga district, demands that an FIR be registered against actor Vijay and the event organizers under relevant legal sections for their role in the incident.
The convergence of these legal challenges—one from TVK seeking a probe into an alleged conspiracy and the others from the public seeking accountability from the party—has created a significant legal and political showdown. With the hearings scheduled for the same afternoon, the outcomes are being closely watched across Tamil Nadu, carrying high expectations for justice and accountability from a public still reeling from the tragic loss of life.