Actor-turned-politician Vijay welcomed the Supreme Court’s order for a CBI probe into the Karur stampede that killed 41 people, expressing hope that justice will prevail as the investigation moves under top-level judicial supervision.
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CHENNAI: Hours after the Supreme Court of India ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede tragedy that claimed 41 lives, actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay expressed hope that “justice will prevail.”
The court’s order comes as a major development in the case that has shaken Tamil Nadu’s political and public landscape.
Supreme Court Order: CBI Probe Supervised by Ex-Judge Ajay Rastogi
A bench of the Supreme Court on Monday directed that the CBI investigation into the Karur tragedy be conducted under the supervision of a three-member committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi.
The committee has been empowered to devise its own procedures, with the CBI required to submit monthly progress reports for review.
In a key observation, the court also noted that the Madras High Court should not have taken up the case, since the Madurai Bench had territorial jurisdiction over the matter.
Speaking to the media, Arun Raj, TVK’s General Secretary (Propaganda and Policy), said the party was “happy” with the Supreme Court’s order.
“We are happy the Supreme Court has ordered a CBI probe, which is exactly what we asked for. We hope truth will prevail and justice will be served,”
he said.
The party respected the court’s direction and would not comment further until the CBI completes its investigation.
“The Madras High Court should not have taken up this case—it wasn’t under its jurisdiction,”
he added.
Vijay’s Response
Confirming reports of Vijay’s personal involvement, Arun Raj revealed that TVK Chief Vijay plans to visit Karur to meet the families of the victims.
“We are working on Mr. Vijay’s visit to Karur to meet the families. We are actively finalising the venue for the meeting,”
he said.
Meanwhile, Aadhav Arjuna, another TVK General Secretary, told reporters in Delhi that Vijay intends to adopt all affected families.
“Mr. Vijay wants to adopt all affected families and be part of their life journey,”
Arjuna said.
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Reports have surfaced that some victim families alleged they were misled into signing petitions seeking a CBI probe. Responding to these claims, Arun Raj said:
“A few victim families have changed their stand. We want the court to investigate this too. The little boy’s father who abandoned the family seems to have vested interests. TVK did not file petitions on behalf of victims.”
Background
The incident on September 27, during a TVK rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, resulted in 41 deaths and numerous injuries. The chaos, including incidents involving Vijay’s campaign vehicle, triggered scrutiny of the party’s management of the event. Vijay himself was not named in any FIR, but the rally’s handling and aftermath became the focus of legal and political debates.
On October 3, Justice N. Senthilkumar of the Madras High Court issued a critical order against TVK, noting the State’s investigation was “not up to mark” and directing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. The High Court underscored its constitutional duty to intervene when investigations are inadequate.
TVK approached the Supreme Court, challenging this order, questioning both the criticism of the party and the SIT directive. Meanwhile, families of victims and other petitioners continue to demand a CBI investigation, though the Madurai Bench of the High Court had earlier declined such a transfer, noting the State investigation was still ongoing and that the petitioners were not directly affected.
Case Title:
TAMILAGA VETTRI KAZHAGAM V P.H. DINESH AND ORS.
Diary No. 58048-2025
