The Madras High Court’s principal bench has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur, a tragedy that left 41 people dead. The direction came shortly after the court’s Madurai bench declined to hand over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), holding that the state police investigation was still in its preliminary stage.

Justice N. Senthilkumar of the principal seat in Chennai passed the order while hearing a plea that sought clarity on why Vijay’s name had not been included in the First Information Report filed in connection with the incident. The court also came down heavily on the TVK leadership for lapses in accountability and questioned the adequacy of safety arrangements that preceded the fatal crush.

The stampede occurred on September 27 during a political rally organised by Vijay’s party at Veluswamypuram in Karur district. Although official approval had been given for around 10,000 attendees, the actual turnout was estimated to have been several times higher. Narrow approach roads, barricaded exits, and a lack of basic facilities compounded the situation, leading to chaos and a deadly stampede. Among the victims were women and children, and many others sustained serious injuries.

Police have since registered a case against a number of TVK functionaries under provisions including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, alleging negligence in crowd control and misrepresentation of expected numbers. Vijay himself was not named in the FIR, a point that has triggered widespread debate and multiple petitions demanding accountability at the highest levels.

By directing a SIT probe, the High Court has attempted to strike a balance between the demand for a deeper investigation and the ongoing police inquiry. While the Madurai bench rejected a CBI transfer, the principal bench’s decision to appoint a special team ensures greater judicial oversight and signals that the tragedy will be subjected to a rigorous fact-finding process.

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