Karur Stampede: Tamil Nadu govt moves SC to vacate order on CBI probe

The Tamil Nadu government has moved Supreme Court of India seeking to vacate its order from October 13, ordering a CBI investigation into the Karur stampede, after it had observed that the incident had a direct bearing on the fundamental rights of citizens.

Stalin government has also sought continuation of the SIT probe headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan constituted by the state government.

Supreme Court had in October also constituted a three-member committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to oversee the investigation.

The Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria had pronounced the order while hearing a batch of petitions, including one filed by actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which sought an independent probe monitored by a retired apex court judge. Other petitioners had sought a CBI probe into the tragedy. Also Read -

In its order, the Bench had said, “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 allay concerns of all parties, the Court directed that the monitoring committee, apart from Justice Rastogi, would include two IPS officers from the Tamil Nadu cadre, neither of whom should be native to the state.

The Court said the committee “shall monitor the investigation of the CBI and may undertake enquiry into any matter incidental to the stampede.” It added that the committee would be free to “devise its own procedure as per the directions of the judge.” The CBI has been directed to submit monthly progress reports on the investigation to the committee. The Court further clarified that if any issue arises during the course of the probe, liberty is granted to the parties to approach the Supreme Court.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor and party chief Vijay, had approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent probe under the supervision of a former Apex Court judge into the September 27 stampede at its rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, which claimed 41 lives and injured several others.

The plea by TVK challenged the Madras High Court’s October 3 order forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Inspector General of Police. The petition argues that the High Court itself questioned the independence of the state police but nevertheless directed a probe by senior police officers from the same force. “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 plea stated.

TVK further contended that the tragedy may have resulted from a pre-planned conspiracy by miscreants aiming to disrupt the rally and that a probe led by a retired Supreme Court judge is necessary to ensure impartiality. The party has also objected to the High Court’s strong remarks holding TVK leaders responsible for “fleeing from the scene” and not assisting victims, calling them “factually incorrect and contrary to record.” The plea asserts that TVK members, upon learning of people fainting, immediately took coordinated steps to provide medical aid and assistance.

The Madras High Court, while forming the SIT, had also banned political rallies, roadshows, and similar public events along highways until Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are framed. It had criticised TVK workers and the State government for their handling of the event.

Case Title: GS Mani vs. State of Tamil Nadu