Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe Into Karur Stampede Tragedy
Apex court appoints retired judge-led panel for investigation as political pressure mounts over rally deaths in Tamil Nadu.
The Supreme Court delivered its verdict on Monday, ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede that occurred during a political rally of actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay. The tragedy, which claimed 41 lives and left over 100 injured, took place on September 27, 2025, and prompted nationwide concern over crowd safety at political events.
A bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria directed the formation of a special supervisory committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi, to oversee the CBI investigation. The committee will include two senior IPS officers, not natives of Tamil Nadu, to ensure impartiality. The panel will be responsible for monitoring the probe, issuing directions to the CBI, and reviewing evidence and monthly progress.
The order follows multiple petitions from political leaders and concerned parties seeking an independent, central investigation. While the Madras High Court had earlier set up an SIT led by state police, the Supreme Court criticized the move, citing jurisdictional errors and lack of impartiality. The apex court also condemned the Chennai Bench of the Madras High Court for passing adverse remarks against TVK and its leadership without hearing all parties involved.
The Court emphasized the fundamental rights of citizens and the need for a fair investigation into the tragedy, which it described as having “shaken the national conscience.” The bench also questioned the conduct of TVK leaders and rapid postmortem procedures, highlighting the necessity for clear guidelines and accountability in political gatherings. The Supreme Court verdict marks a significant step toward a transparent inquiry and heightened standards for public safety at large-scale events, offering hope for justice to the victims and their families.
