Karur Tragedy: Madras HC Takes Up TVK’s Probe Petition
The Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench will hear a petition filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, seeking a CBI or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Karur rally stampede that claimed 41 lives and injured more than 60 on Saturday.
TVK Seeks Independent Probe Into Karur Stampede
Advocates led by S. Arivazhagan appeared before Justice M. Dhandapani on Sunday, urging the court to order either a CBI inquiry or a court-monitored SIT investigation. The matter has been listed for a detailed hearing today at 2:15 pm.
TVK has also filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging a conspiracy behind the tragedy.
Victim Petitions to Stop TVK Rallies
Adding another layer to the legal battle, Senthilkannan, a survivor of the stampede, has moved the High Court to restrain TVK from holding rallies until accountability is fixed and safety measures are guaranteed.
His petition alleges gross mismanagement, lack of crowd control, and reckless planning as the causes of the deadly incident. He emphasized that while the right to assemble is constitutional, it cannot override the right to life and safety under Article 21.
The Karur Town Police have already filed an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and death caused by negligence.
Government Response and Vijay’s Reaction
Sources revealed that the Tamil Nadu government advised Vijay not to visit the injured at Karur Government Hospital on Sunday, fearing further chaos. The actor-politician is said to be in “deep shock” and has refrained from eating since the tragedy.
Vijay is expected to meet families of the deceased after today’s court hearing, subject to police approval.
Political Leaders Express Condolences
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed that Rahul Gandhi had called to express condolences and concern. The state government has announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan.
Rahul Gandhi also reached out to Vijay personally, expressing sorrow over the loss of his supporters.
Power Cut Controversy: TN Govt Clarifies
Amid claims from TVK that a power cut triggered panic during the rally, the Tamil Nadu government’s Fact Check Unit clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that no official power cut was ordered.
The brief dimming of lights was attributed to a generator malfunction in the party’s arrangements, not a disruption in state power supply.
With both TVK and victims moving the High Court, today’s hearing at the Madurai Bench will be crucial in deciding whether the case will be investigated by a CBI team, an SIT, or under court monitoring.
The tragedy has not only shaken Tamil Nadu’s political landscape but also raised urgent questions about public safety at political rallies.