SC orders CBI probe into stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered an inquiry by the Central Board of Investigation into the stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, which left 41 persons dead, Live Law reported.

A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria passed the interim order on a petition filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and other parties.

The court also constituted a three-member supervisory committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, to ensure that the investigation is impartial, Live Law reported.

Rastogi has been asked to select two senior Indian Police Services officers, not below the rank of inspector general of police. The officers can be from the Tamil Nadu cadre, but should not be natives of the state.

The committee has been tasked with monitoring the CBI investigation. The agency will have to submit monthly reports to the committee on the progress in the investigation, according to Live Law.

The stampede took place on September 27 at Veluchamy Puram in Karur, shortly after 7.30 pm, when Vijay was addressing supporters from his campaign vehicle.

Several of those who attended the rally fainted due to overcrowding. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief’s speech was interrupted twice as ambulances were brought in to take those who collapsed.

The first information report filed in the matter alleged that...

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