CBI Begins Probe Into Karur Stampede That Killed 41, Summons TVK Leaders For Questioning | India News

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay addressing a rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur. (PTI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally begun its probe into the Karur stampede case, which claimed multiple lives earlier this year. As part of the ongoing investigation, the agency has summoned TVK’s General Secretary N. Anand alias Bussy Anand and Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal to appear before investigators on September 28.

Both the leaders have been asked to join the inquiry as the CBI continues to gather evidence in connection with the tragedy.

The investigation was handed over to the CBI following the Supreme Court’s directive. Sources indicated that the agency is currently recording the statements of the accused and eyewitnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the stampede.

A special team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has visited the site of the tragic stampede at Velusamypuram in Karur, Tamil Nadu, officials said.

The incident, which occurred during a TVK meeting addressed by Vijay on September 27, claimed 41 lives and left over 60 others injured.

In line with procedure, the CBI has re-registered the FIR initially filed by the state police and informed the local court of the development. The Supreme Court had handed over the case to the central agency, following a petition by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) seeking an independent probe.

Acting on the Supreme Court’s directions, the CBI Director appointed a senior officer to lead the investigation, supported by a dedicated team. The apex court also constituted a three-member supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to oversee the progress of the probe.

A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria observed that the September 27 stampede had left a deep imprint on the nation’s conscience and stressed the need for protecting the fundamental rights of the victims’ families.

Highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding the case, the bench criticised senior police officials for making premature statements to the media, warning that such remarks could erode public faith in the investigation.

The court emphasised that restoring trust in the criminal justice system was paramount and that the case demanded a thorough, impartial, and unbiased investigation to ensure justice.