Supreme Court directs Karur Stampede victims’ families to approach the CBI over alleged political pressure to withdraw petitions. The bench stressed transparency and fairness in the probe, saying independent investigation is vital to protect public trust.
The Supreme Court directed a family of victims from the Karur stampede to bring their allegations of political pressure, aimed at persuading families to withdraw their petitions, to the attention of the CBI.
This guidance came after S. Prabhakaran, who tragically lost both his sister and fiancée in the incident, made an urgent oral request through his advocate, Balaji Srinivasan.
The bench, led by Justice J.K. Maheshwari, noted that the investigation related to the stampede had already been handed over to the CBI.
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Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation into the Karur stampede, highlighting that the incident directly impacts the fundamental rights of citizens.
The Court also established a three-member committee, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Ajay Rastogi, to oversee the investigation. Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria issued this directive while considering several petitions, including one from actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which requested an independent inquiry supervised by a retired Apex Court judge. Other petitioners also sought a CBI investigation into the tragedy.
In its order, the Bench stated,
“Looking at the facts, the issue has a bearing on the fundamental rights of the citizens. The directions are to hand over the investigation to the CBI.”
To ensure transparency and address concerns from all parties, the Court instructed that the monitoring committee should include two IPS officers from the Tamil Nadu cadre, neither of whom should be from the state.
The CBI has been tasked with providing monthly progress reports on the investigation to the committee. Additionally, the Court clarified that any issues arising during the probe would allow the parties to approach the Supreme Court.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor and party chief Vijay, had gone to the Supreme Court seeking an independent investigation under the supervision of a former Supreme Court judge into the September 27 stampede at its rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, which resulted in 41 fatalities and numerous injuries.
TVK contested the Madras High Court’s October 3 ruling that established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Inspector General of Police. The petition argued that the High Court itself cast doubt on the independence of the state police but still directed an investigation by senior officers from the same department.
The plea stated,
“The petitioner-party and its leaders are prejudiced by the order which appoints an SIT composed solely of officers of the State Police, especially in view of the High Court’s own dissatisfaction with their independence,”
The party further alleged that the tragedy may have been the result of a premeditated conspiracy by individuals intent on disrupting the rally, asserting that a probe led by a retired Supreme Court judge is vital for impartiality.
They also objected to the High Court’s critical remarks regarding TVK leaders, claiming they were responsible for “fleeing from the scene” and not assisting victims, calling these statements “factually incorrect and contrary to record.”
The plea emphasized that TVK members took immediate and coordinated action to provide medical aid and support upon noticing individuals fainting.
Importantly, while forming the SIT, the Madras High Court also imposed a ban on political rallies, roadshows, and similar public events along highways until proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are established, criticizing both TVK workers and the State government for their management of the event.