Chennai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken charge of the probe into the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives during a political rally organized by actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). A special CBI team has already inspected the site at Velusamypuram in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred on September 27 during a TVK public meeting addressed by Vijay, leaving 41 people dead and over 60 injured. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted widespread calls for an independent investigation.
As per protocol, the CBI has re-registered the FIR initially filed by the Tamil Nadu Police and has informed the local court about assuming control of the case. The Supreme Court handed over the investigation to the CBI following a petition filed by TVK seeking a fair and impartial inquiry.
The apex court directed the CBI director to appoint a senior officer to lead the probe, assisted by a dedicated team of investigators. It also formed a three-member supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to oversee the progress of the investigation.
A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria observed that the September 27 stampede had deeply impacted public sentiment nationwide. The court emphasized that protecting the fundamental rights of the victims’ families was of “utmost importance.”
“The incident has wide ramifications concerning the right to life and liberty. Faith and trust of the public in the criminal justice system must be restored through a fair, independent, and unbiased investigation,” the bench stated.
The court also criticized senior police officials for making premature statements to the media that could undermine confidence in the neutrality of the probe. It said that ensuring impartiality was essential to maintain public faith in law enforcement and judicial institutions.
Calling the tragedy one that had “shaken the national conscience,” the court reaffirmed that fair investigation is the fundamental right of every citizen.
