Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 8: The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent investigation into the Karur rally stampede held on September 27, which claimed 41 lives and left several injured. The party has requested that the probe be led by a former Supreme Court judge, rather than relying solely on state police.
Filed through advocates Dixita Gohil, Pranjal Agarwal, and Yash S Vijay, the plea challenges the Madras High Court’s October 3 order, which directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Inspector General of Police to probe the incident. TVK contends that the SIT, composed only of senior Tamil Nadu Police officers, lacks independence despite the High Court’s own concerns about the impartiality of the state police.
The petition states, “The Petitioner-party as well as its leaders are prejudiced by the order which appoints an SIT composed solely of officers of the State Police, especially in the face of observations expressing dissatisfaction with the independence of State Police and its conduct.”
TVK also highlighted the possibility of a planned conspiracy to create disorder at the rally site and argued that an impartial probe is essential to examine all versions of events. The plea further challenges the High Court’s remarks against TVK, claiming they were issued without factual verification or allowing the party a chance to respond, thereby violating principles of natural justice.
Specifically, the petition contests the High Court’s observation that TVK leaders allegedly fled the scene and failed to help the public. The party asserts that its leadership and cadre immediately coordinated medical aid and relief upon learning of attendees fainting during the rally.
The Madras High Court had, on October 3, ordered the formation of the SIT to investigate the tragedy and had temporarily banned political rallies, roadshows, and public gatherings along state and national highways until proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are framed. The court had also criticised TVK workers for not assisting victims and questioned the state government’s lenient handling of the organisers.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Friday, October 10, an appeal against the High Court’s earlier decision rejecting a plea for a CBI investigation into the September 27 stampede.
The TVK plea signals the party’s insistence on a fully independent probe, reflecting ongoing political and legal scrutiny over one of Tamil Nadu’s most tragic rally incidents in recent years.