CBI Takes Over Karur Stampede Investigation: Supreme Court Appoints Supervisory Committee Following 41 Deaths

The Central Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the Karur stampede investigation, where 41 individuals lost their lives during a political rally organized by actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, officials confirmed on Sunday.

A specialized CBI team has already conducted an on-site examination at Velusamypuram in Karur, Tamil Nadu, according to official sources.

The tragic incident on September 27 resulted in 41 fatalities and more than 60 injuries during the TVK gathering addressed by Vijay.

Following standard protocol, the CBI has re-registered the original FIR filed by state police and notified the local court about this development.

The case was transferred to the CBI by the Supreme Court following a petition from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam requesting an independent investigation.

The Supreme Court instructed the CBI Director to appoint a senior officer to lead the investigation with additional officers providing support.

Additionally, the court established a three-member supervisory committee headed by former justice Ajay Rastogi to oversee the CBI investigation process.

A judicial bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria stated that the September 27 stampede has profoundly affected citizens across the country.

The justices emphasized that this incident has extensive implications regarding citizens' lives, and protecting the fundamental rights of bereaved families holds paramount importance.

Acknowledging the political dimensions of the case, the court noted that senior police officials had made public statements "without considering the gravity of the incident," potentially creating doubts about investigation impartiality.

"Public faith and trust in the investigative process must be restored in the criminal justice system. Ensuring a completely impartial, independent, and unbiased investigation in this case is one way to instill such trust," the bench stated.

"Considering that this issue directly affects citizens' fundamental rights, this incident, which has shaken national conscience, demands fair and impartial investigation. Undoubtedly, fair investigation remains every citizen's right," the justices concluded.

It should be noted that TVK has credited Rs 20 lakh to each family of the Karur stampede victims.