The Supreme Court of India has mandated a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the tragic stampede that occurred during a rally organized by actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27, 2025. The incident resulted in 41 fatalities and left over 60 individuals injured.
A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria emphasized that a fair and impartial investigation is a fundamental right of the citizens, underscoring the necessity for transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the tragedy.
To oversee the investigation and ensure its integrity, the Court appointed a three-member monitoring committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. The committee will include two senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, not native to Tamil Nadu, holding the rank of at least Inspector General of Police.
The panel is tasked with supervising the progress of the CBI probe and submitting monthly reports to the Court.
The stampede occurred when an estimated 27,000 attendees, nearly triple the expected number of 10,000, gathered at the rally venue in Velusamypuram.
The crowd surged towards Vijay’s convoy after a delay of approximately seven hours, leading to chaos and the subsequent fatal incident. Preliminary investigations indicated that poor crowd management and inadequate facilities, such as the absence of drinking water, contributed to the disaster.
In response to the tragedy, the Tamil Nadu government had initially constituted a one-man commission of inquiry led by retired Madras High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan. However, the Supreme Court criticized the Madras High Court’s handling of the matter, particularly a suo motu order by Justice N. Senthilkumar that expanded the scope of a writ petition without involving the TVK leadership.
The Court noted that the single-judge order lacked sensitivity and propriety, leading to a multiplicity of proceedings and raising concerns about judicial discipline.
The Supreme Court’s intervention aims to provide an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, addressing public concerns and ensuring justice for the victims. The appointed committee is expected to commence its oversight responsibilities promptly, with the CBI directed to expedite the investigation within the statutory timeframe.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on determining accountability and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future, reinforcing the importance of stringent crowd management protocols at public events.
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