In a significant turn of events after the tragic Karur stampede that resulted in 41 deaths, the Supreme Court of India has directed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the tragedy. The tragedy on September 27, 2025, at Velusamypuram, Karur district of Tamil Nadu, occurred during a public meeting addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. The top court’s move follows mounting allegations of mismanagement and demands for an independent inquiry into the reasons for the fatal crowd stampede.
The stampede occurred when thousands of his supporters had turned up at the venue to see Vijay, who was set to speak to the crowd. It is said that the delay in arrival of the actor-politician caused restlessness among the crowd, and individuals pushed forward when security arrangements were unable to handle the ballooning crowd. Eyewitnesses gave accounts of pandemonium and terror, as individuals were being stamped upon in the melee, leaving dozens dead and scores injured.
A probe headed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Tamil Nadu Police was first initiated by the authorities at the behest of the Madras High Court. However, victims’ families and some political parties expressed doubts about the impartiality of the investigation, seeking central intervention. TVK and others moved petitions before the Supreme Court seeking to shift the case to the CBI for transparency and accountability.
On October 13, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered in the petitioners’ favor, invoking the necessity of an impartial investigation into what it termed “an incident that shook the nation.” The court appointed a three-member oversight committee led by retired judge Ajay Rastogi to monitor the CBI probe. Two experienced IPS officials from outside Tamil Nadu will be on hand to monitor the investigation to ensure its integrity.
The state government has been willing to collaborate with the central agency, while TVK chief Vijay has demanded justice for the victims and their families. Political analysts hold the opinion that the case will have a long-term impact on crowd control initiatives and accountability during large gatherings in the nation.
As the CBI takes over, the country waits for answers on how a political event that was designed to bring together supporters became one of Tamil Nadu’s worst recent public tragedies.
