Karur stampede: Supreme Court orders CBI probe
The Supreme Court on October 13 directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the Karur stampede, which occurred on September 27, 2025, during a rally by actor-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The tragedy claimed 41 lives, including women and children, and left nearly 60 others injured.
A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria said the incident “has a bearing on the fundamental rights of citizens and has shaken the national conscience,” emphasising that a fair and impartial investigation is warranted.
The Court noted that citizens are entitled to a thorough probe and that there cannot be any doubt about the need for an unbiased investigation.
To ensure transparency, the Supreme Court constituted a three-member Supervisory Committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi, to monitor the CBI investigation.
Justice Rastogi will select two senior IPS officers, not below the rank of Inspector General, who may be from the Tamil Nadu cadre but not natives of the state. The committee can issue directions to the CBI, review evidence, and receive monthly progress reports from the investigating officers.
The Court strongly criticised the Madras High Court (Chennai Bench) for constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Tamil Nadu Police officers in a petition that originally sought only the formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for political rallies.