Chennai: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition challenging the Madras High Court’s verdict that denied a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the devastating Karur stampede. The apex court, with a bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, has admitted the plea filed by Tamil Nadu BJP executive Uma Anandan and scheduled the hearing for October 10, 2025.
This move reopens the judicial debate on the investigation into the incident that claimed 41 lives and sent shockwaves across the nation.
What Transpired During the Tragic Karur Stampede?
The chain of events leading to the tragedy unfolded on September 27th during an election campaign for the Tamil Nadu Victory Party (TVP) led by actor-politician Vijay. A massive crowd of approximately 27,000 people had gathered since morning at a venue in Velusamypuram, Karur, based on announcements that the leader would arrive by 12 noon. However, Vijay, who had a prior event in Namakkal, only reached the venue around 7 PM.
After a 20-minute speech, his departure triggered a chaotic stampede as the massive crowd attempted to exit the congested area simultaneously. The resulting crush led to 41 fatalities from suffocation, with over 100 individuals sustaining injuries and requiring hospitalization. The incident drew condolences from the highest offices in the country, including President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
What Were the Previous Investigations Ordered?
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Tamil Nadu government instituted a one-man commission headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan to conduct an inquiry. Concurrently, the police registered a case against key office-bearers of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), including General Secretary Anand and Deputy General Secretary Nirmal Kumar.
When a plea was filed in the Madras High Court demanding a CBI investigation, the court dismissed it and instead constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. This SIT is being led by senior IPS officer and Northern Zone IG, Asra Garg.
Why is the Supreme Court’s Intervention Significant?
The petition now before the Supreme Court argues that an independent investigation by the CBI is essential to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry, free from potential state-level influences. By admitting the plea, the Supreme Court has acknowledged the need to judicially review the mechanism of investigation into a major public tragedy.