The Madras High Court on Friday expressed deep grief and anger over the Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives on September 27, coming down heavily on Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leaders and organisers of the rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
Justice N. Senthilkumar said watching the videos of the tragic incident was “painful” and criticised the party’s leadership for abandoning victims instead of helping in rescue operations. “Whether they are leaders or party workers, after this incident, while the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and all political parties expressed grief and engaged in rescue efforts, the organisers of the event had completely walked away,” the court noted.
Expressing shock that only two arrests had been made so far, the court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by senior IPS officer Asra Garg to probe the case. The bench also dismissed the anticipatory bail pleas of TVK State General Secretary Bussy N Anand and Deputy General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, who are named in the FIR.
The court refused to hand the case over to the CBI but allowed BJP leader Uma Anandan, the petitioner, to approach the court again if the investigation is not conducted properly.
Highlighting the need for accountability and preventive measures, the court directed the Tamil Nadu government to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for political events. It suggested banning rallies near state and national highways and ensuring essential facilities such as drinking water, sanitation, parking, and escape routes to avoid future tragedies.
(Tamil Craze)
