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Karur stampede case: SC orders CBI probe, forms committee

**Karur Stampede Case: Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe, Constitutes Oversight Committee**

*By Snehil Singh | October 13, 2025, 11:34 AM*

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The Supreme Court has directed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic stampede that occurred in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27, 2025. The incident unfolded during a political rally organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and resulted in the deaths of at least 41 people, as reported by Bar and Bench.

The TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, had challenged a Madras High Court order which called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Vijay also demanded an independent investigation, addressing the adverse remarks made by the High Court regarding the case.

### Supreme Court Constitutes Committee to Oversee CBI Probe

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria, has set up a three-member committee to monitor and supervise the ongoing CBI investigation. The committee will be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. Alongside him, two Indian Police Service (IPS) officers—likely from Tamil Nadu but not locals—will serve on the panel.

In a bid for transparency, the Supreme Court has instructed the CBI to submit monthly progress reports of its investigation directly to this committee.

### Conflicting High Court Orders Raise Concerns

The Supreme Court’s intervention comes amid conflicting orders from different benches of the Madras High Court. While the principal bench ordered an SIT investigation into the case, the Madurai Bench had earlier refused to allow a CBI probe. This discrepancy had raised concerns at the apex court level.

### Background: Madras High Court’s SIT Order and Legal Developments

On October 3, Justice N Senthilkumar of the Madras High Court directed a Special Investigation Team probe, expressing dissatisfaction with the state’s investigation into the stampede. The judge highlighted that no criminal case had been filed in connection with two separate hit-and-run incidents involving Vijay’s campaign vehicle.

Subsequently, a case was reportedly registered against the driver of Vijay’s campaign vehicle for these incidents. In response, TVK approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent investigation beyond what the state authorities had provided.

### SOP for Rallies Plea Assigned to Division Bench

Alongside the probe order, the Supreme Court has assigned the plea regarding the establishment of a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for roadshows and political rallies to a division bench of the Madras High Court.

Senior advocates Gopal Subramaniam and Aryama Sundaram appeared for TVK, while senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and P Wilson represented the Tamil Nadu government in the matter.

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The developments surrounding the Karur stampede case highlight intensified judicial scrutiny and the demand for a transparent and impartial investigation into the tragedy that shook Tamil Nadu. This ongoing probe and the formulation of SOPs are expected to set precedents for the management of mass political gatherings in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/sc-orders-cbi-investigation-into-karur-stampede-appoints-2-member-panel/story

Karur stampede: Madras HC slams Vijay’s party for absconding

The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, in relation to the recent stampede that occurred in Karur last week.

The incident, which resulted in significant public concern, has drawn the court’s attention due to the circumstances surrounding the event. The high court’s remarks highlight the importance of ensuring safety and proper management during political gatherings.

Further investigations and proceedings are expected as the authorities look into the causes and accountability related to the stampede. The court’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the responsibilities held by political organizations in maintaining public order during events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story

Karur stampede: Madras HC slams Vijay’s party for absconding

The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, in connection with a recent stampede in Karur.

The incident, which occurred last week, raised serious concerns about the party’s event management and safety measures. The court’s remarks highlight the need for greater responsibility during public gatherings organized by political groups.

Further details on the stampede and the court’s directives are awaited as the situation develops.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story

Karur stampede: Madras HC slams Vijay’s party for absconding

The Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, following a stampede that occurred in Karur last week.

The court’s remarks came amid investigations into the incident, which resulted in casualties and raised concerns about crowd management during political events.

This development has put the spotlight on the responsibilities of political parties in ensuring public safety during gatherings. The TVK party is expected to cooperate fully with authorities as inquiries continue.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-remorse-no-responsibility-madras-high-court-raps-tvk/story

Karur stampede: Madras HC forms SIT, denies pre-arrest bail to TVK leaders

The court has rejected the anticipatory bail petitions of two senior Tamil Vikatan Katchi (TVK) leaders and criticised both the party and the police over the recent mishap. Additionally, a plea by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident was dismissed. The bench directed her to approach the Madurai court instead, according to PTI reports.

Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) launched political attacks, blaming the BJP and TVK respectively. Stalin accused the BJP of attempting to exploit the tragedy for political gains. Meanwhile, the DMK slammed actor Vijay for his arrogance, hunger for money, publicity mania, and desire for power. The party stated that Vijay’s challenge to the state government to arrest him was merely an attempt to divert attention from the deaths of 41 people.

In response to the tragedy, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and Inspector General, North Zone, Asra Garg, PTI reported.

The High Court also held the TVK event organisers, party leadership, and police responsible for lapses that contributed to the stampede, which claimed the lives of several children.

The anticipatory bail pleas of TVK state General Secretary Bussy N Anand and Deputy General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar were dismissed. Both have been named in the first information report (FIR), along with a local party leader who has since been arrested. They face charges under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 125 (endangering life of others), and 223 (disobedience to order) of the Indian Penal Code.

Furthermore, the court rejected the anticipatory bail petition of TVK Namakkal district secretary Sathish Kumar, who was linked to an attack on a private hospital during Vijay’s public meeting in Namakkal.

Chief Minister Stalin also alleged that the BJP and the Union government show no genuine concern over the stampede and are attempting to capitalise on the tragedy ahead of the 2026 Assembly Elections. He questioned, “Why was a delegation of NDA MPs sent to Karur urgently, while no teams were dispatched for the Manipur riots, Morbi bridge collapse, or Kumbh Mela stampede?”

The DMK continued its criticism of Vijay through its party organ, Murasoli, stating, “Vijay’s arrogance, responsible for the deaths of 41 persons, and his hunger for money, publicity mania, and desire for power, has not subsided yet.” The publication further claimed that his Rs 20 lakh solatium announcement for victims’ families was prompted by pressure. Adding, “By mounting a challenge to arrest him, he is trying to divert attention from the deaths of 41 persons.”

The government has already disbursed solatium to the victims’ families. Meanwhile, the DMK also criticised TVK leaders for arriving late to designated campaign spots, leaving supporters exhausted.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/sit-to-investigate-karur-stampede-says-hc-denies-anticipatory-bail-to-tvk-leaders-23597089