The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear an appeal filed by BJP councillor Uma Anandan challenging a Madras High Court order refusing a CBI probe into the September 27 stampede at Karur during a rally of actor and TVK founder Vijay that killed 41 people and injured over 60.
The apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice B R Gavai and including Justice K Vinod Chandran, said they will hear the matter on October 10.
Anandan had moved the top court after the Madras High Court refused to entertain her plea seeking a CBI probe into the stampede.
Anandan, in her appeal, alleged that the state government has failed in its duty to properly handle the issue of public safety. "Local police investigations were compromised by official apathy and potential political interference, citing unanswered questions about rally permissions and post-incident response," said her appeal.
Filing the plea in the top court by invoking Article 136 of the Constitution for special leave to appeal, Anandan submitted that only an independent central agency like the CBI can ensure a fair probe, free from state influences, especially given the high-profile nature of those involved.
Anandan has pleaded to the apex court to monitor the SIT's progress or hand over the case to the CBI, highlighting precedents like the 2023 Hathras stampede, where central probes were ordered. "The case has broader implications for political rallies in India, a staple of electoral campaigning, amid rising concerns over crowd management," said her plea.
According to the state police, a crowd of nearly 30,000 people gathered at a venue with a capacity of about 10,000. Eyewitnesses at the spot alleged that security guidelines were violated, and proper arrangements for food and drinking water were missing, which contributed to the tragedy.
