New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the deadly stampede that occurred during a rally held by TVK chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, last month. The stampede, which took place on September 27, claimed 41 lives and left at least 60 injured, sparking national outrage and raising serious questions over crowd management and public safety.
A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria termed the incident one that “shook the nation” and expressed concern over how the tragedy was handled. The court has also appointed a three-member committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, to oversee the investigation.
The committee will include two senior IPS officers, preferably from the Tamil Nadu cadre but not originally from the state, to ensure impartiality in the investigation.
The Supreme Court also raised concerns about how the case was initially handled by the Madras High Court’s Chennai bench, which had earlier declined to allow a CBI probe into the tragedy. The apex court questioned why a single judge took cognisance and passed orders in such a significant matter, especially given the nationwide impact of the incident.
The stampede unfolded when a crowd of nearly 30,000 people gathered at a venue meant to hold only about 10,000, ahead of Vijay’s political rally. According to officials, security guidelines were flouted, and basic arrangements like drinking water and food were lacking.
Vijay, who was scheduled to arrive at 12 PM, only reached the venue around 7 PM. By then, the crowd had surged dramatically. His arrival aboard a campaign bus reportedly triggered further chaos, with supporters climbing trees, rooftops, and even power lines to catch a glimpse of him. Authorities were forced to cut electricity supply to prevent electrocutions.
As Vijay’s vehicle entered the area, the crowd pushed forward. People began throwing slippers at the bus in an attempt to get his attention. The situation worsened when several individuals fainted, prompting police to carry out a lathi charge to control the stampede, officials said.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the TVK Karur West District Secretary, Mathiyazhagan, was arrested and held responsible for organisational lapses. Police have also filed cases against TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary Nirmal Sekar, both of whom are currently absconding.
Following the tragedy, Vijay expressed deep regret and announced an ex gratia of ₹20 lakh for each victim’s family and ₹2 lakh for those injured. He also suspended his statewide political tour and on October 7, spoke to the bereaved families via video call, offering condolences and assuring them of his visit to Karur soon.
With the Supreme Court now transferring the case to the CBI, the spotlight is back on the political accountability and organisational failure that led to the tragedy. The court’s decision to appoint a high-level committee indicates the seriousness with which the top judiciary views the incident.
This move could also have significant implications for Vijay’s political aspirations and the functioning of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as investigations progress.
