The Madras High Court has directed a Special Investigation Team to probe the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally held for actor-turned-politician Vijay.
Justice N. Senthilkumar issued the order while examining a petition that questioned why Vijay’s name was missing from the list of accused in the criminal case filed after the September 27 tragedy. The judge also delivered sharp criticism of TVK’s handling of the event and its aftermath.
Earlier in the day, the Madurai Bench of the same court had declined a request for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, observing that the State’s ongoing investigation was still in its early stages.
The stampede erupted in Veluswamypuram, Karur district, as an overwhelming crowd gathered to see Vijay at his political rally. Women and children were among the 41 people who lost their lives, and many more were injured.
Authorities later filed an FIR against several TVK officials—excluding Vijay—on charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, citing negligence in crowd management and misrepresentation of venue capacity.
Meanwhile, two of the TVK leaders named in the case have sought anticipatory bail, with the Madurai Bench reserving its decision on their petitions.