DM Law InsightsOn Friday, the Madras High Court allegedly instructed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the unfortunate stampede that took place on September 27 during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur.
The stampede occurred as large crowds assembled to witness actor-turned-politician and TVK founder Vijay, leading to the loss of 41 lives.
The Court has also allegedly expressed disapproval of the TVK leadership regarding its management of the situation.
Notably, earlier today, a Division Bench of the High Court’s Madurai seat declined to mandate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the issue.
On September 27, a significant stampede occurred during the TVK rally in Veluswamypuram, Karur district, where Vijay was campaigning. This unfortunate event resulted in the deaths of at least 41 individuals, including women and children, and left many others injured.
In the aftermath of the stampede, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against several TVK officials.
Vijay Rally Stampede: Madras High Court Directs SIT Investigation After Madurai Bench Denies CBI Inquiry
The allegations included culpable homicide not amounting to murder, alongside claims of negligence in ensuring public safety and misrepresenting the anticipated crowd size and venue arrangements. Notably, Vijay was not implicated in the FIR. Later on Friday afternoon, a single-judge Bench at the Court’s Madurai seat also reserved its decision regarding anticipatory bail requests submitted by two TVK officials mentioned in the FIR.
The Madras High Court’s decision to establish an SIT comes in response to increasing public demand for accountability and safety protocols at political rallies, particularly when large crowds gather to witness prominent figures.
By mandating a comprehensive investigation, the Court seeks to ensure a meticulous examination of the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
The recent developments have also highlighted TVK’s organizational strategies and crowd management protocols, with the Court reportedly indicating that the party leadership must assume responsibility for the oversights that led to the stampede.
