The Madras High Court refused a CBI investigation into the Karur rally stampede that killed 41 people. The Court urged strict arrangements for water, sanitation, parking, and escape routes at all political rallies.
The Madras High Court on Friday refused to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic stampede that occurred during a political rally held by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, which claimed the lives of 41 people.
A Bench comprising Justices M Dhandapani and M Jothiraman observed that the investigation being conducted by the Tamil Nadu Police is still in its initial stages. The Court also pointed out that the petitioners who requested the CBI inquiry were not direct victims of the stampede.
The Bench remarked,
“If aggrieved persons come to this court, we will rescue. Who are you? Don’t treat this court as the political arena. If, in the investigation, something goes wrong, you come. This is the initial stage,”
The Court noted the submission made by the State government that no rallies or political meetings would be allowed near state or national highways until proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are formulated for such events.
The Bench further directed that the government and political parties must ensure adequate arrangements for drinking water and sanitation facilities whenever political rallies or meetings are held, even at designated locations.
In addition, the Court emphasized the importance of providing clear escape routes and proper parking facilities during such gatherings.
These directions came while the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court was hearing over a dozen petitions filed in the aftermath of the Karur stampede.
The petitions varied in nature: one group sought a CBI investigation, another requested the framing of SOPs for all political meetings and rallies, and a third set of petitions demanded higher compensation for the victims.
The tragic incident occurred on September 27, 2025, during a rally organized by the TVK party in Veluswamypuram, Karur district, while Vijay was campaigning.
Although the rally was approved for approximately 10,000 attendees, reports suggest that the actual turnout far exceeded expectations, with estimates ranging from 25,000 to 60,000 people.
Many of the attendees had arrived hours early, standing under scorching heat without sufficient access to drinking water or other facilities.
The situation worsened due to narrow roads, electricity disruptions, inadequate crowd control measures, and blocked escape routes caused by ropes, barricades, and hoardings.
At least 41 people, including women and children, tragically lost their lives in the stampede, and dozens more were injured. Following the incident, an FIR was registered against several TVK party functionaries—excluding Vijay—under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
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The charges primarily relate to failure to ensure public safety and misrepresenting the expected crowd size and venue arrangements.
The Madras High Court’s refusal to order a CBI probe and its directions for stricter safety measures highlight the importance of responsible planning for political rallies in Tamil Nadu, aiming to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
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