Supreme Court Orders CBI Investigation Into Tamil Nadu Stampede: Actor Vijay Welcomes Decision

Chennai:

Following the Supreme Court's directive for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Tamil Nadu stampede tragedy that claimed 41 lives, actor-politician Vijay expressed hope that "justice will prevail".

The Supreme Court has mandated that the CBI investigation be overseen by a three-member committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. This committee will establish its own procedural framework, with the CBI required to submit monthly progress reports.

The devastating incident occurred during a TVK event in Karur last month, resulting in the deaths of 41 people, including women and children, due to a crowd surge. TVK had petitioned the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court's earlier direction for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the tragedy.

In a notable observation, the Supreme Court stated that the Madras High Court should not have assumed jurisdiction over the case, as the Madurai Bench held territorial jurisdiction.

TVK General Secretary (Propaganda and Policy) Arun Raj told NDTV, "We are pleased that the Supreme Court has ordered a CBI probe, which aligns with our request. We hope truth will emerge and justice will be delivered."

He further noted, "We cannot comment further as the CBI will conduct the investigation. The Madras High Court should not have taken up this case as it wasn't under its jurisdiction."

Regarding Vijay's plans to meet the victims' families, Arun Raj stated, "We are coordinating TVK Chief Vijay's visit to Karur to meet the affected families. We are currently finalizing the venue for this meeting."

Addressing reports that some victim families were allegedly misled into signing petitions requesting a CBI probe, Arun Raj clarified, "Some victim families have altered their position. We want the court to examine this matter too. The father of the young boy who abandoned the family appears to have ulterior motives. TVK did not file petitions on behalf of victims."

In a separate statement from Delhi, Aadhav Arjuna, another TVK General Secretary, mentioned, "Mr. Vijay wishes to adopt all affected families and remain involved in their life journey."

While TVK has embraced the Supreme Court's decision, political analysts suggest this development could catalyze political shifts in Tamil Nadu, with both the AIADMK and its ally BJP potentially seeking to establish connections with the emerging party.

Vijay has maintained cordial relations with the AIADMK but has consistently affirmed that he would never form an alliance with the BJP, describing it as his "ideological enemy."