SC Orders CBI Probe into Karur Stampede That Killed 41

The Supreme Court of India on October 13, 2025, ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede tragedy that killed 41 people during actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally on September 27, 2025.

Key Facts

• Incident: A stampede at Vijay’s TVK rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
• Casualties: 41 dead, over 60 injured — including women and children.
• Venue Capacity: 10,000 vs. attendance of nearly 30,000.
• Judgment: Supreme Court calls it “an incident that shook the national conscience,” ordering a CBI probe monitored by a retired SC judge.
• Organizers Booked: Key TVK leaders including district secretary Mathiazhagan and state general secretary N. Anand.

“This incident has a bearing on the fundamental rights of citizens and has shaken the national conscience,” observed Justice J.K. Maheshwari.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

The stampede erupted after seven-hour delays in Vijay’s arrival and an unauthorized roadshow, causing overcrowding and panic. FIRs detail 11 safety violations, including lack of drinking water, breached time limits, and failure to manage crowd inflow.

People surged toward Vijay’s vehicle seeking relief after hours in the heat. Collapsed temporary structures intensified the chaos.

Court & Government Reactions

• Supreme Court: A three-member supervisory committee, led by Justice Ajay Rastogi (Retd.), will oversee the CBI probe.
• Tamil Nadu Govt.: Argued that the SIT could handle the case but agreed to comply with the apex court’s order.
• CM MK Stalin: Called the incident “unprecedented,” announced ₹10 lakh compensation per victim family.

Political & Public Fallout

• BJP: Termed the verdict a “big blow” to the DMK government.
• TVK: Welcomed the probe, promising ₹20 lakh compensation per victim family.
• Victims’ Families: Demanded accountability; several petitioned for a CBI investigation.
• Civil Society: Urged for strict crowd control protocols and political event safety regulations.

Impact & Implications

• Legal: CBI must file monthly updates; the Supreme Court committee will ensure transparency.
• Political: Seen as a setback for the DMK government and a strategic opening for Vijay’s TVK.
• Administrative: Tamil Nadu temporarily bans political rallies on highways until new SOPs are finalized.
• Social: Sparks national debate on hero worship, negligence, and public safety failures.

Investigation Framework

• CBI to take over SIT probe.
• Supreme Court supervisory panel to monitor evidence, issue directives, and review progress.
• Monthly reporting mandated to ensure a transparent and impartial probe.

FAQs

1. What is the Karur stampede case about?

The Karur stampede refers to a tragic incident on September 27, 2025, during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally led by actor-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu. Severe overcrowding and safety violations led to a deadly stampede, killing 41 people and injuring over 60 others.

2. Why did the Supreme Court order a CBI investigation?

The Supreme Court stated that the incident “shook the national conscience” and involved fundamental rights. It felt that a central agency probe would be more impartial and transparent than a state SIT investigation, given the political sensitivities.

3. Who will monitor the CBI probe?

The investigation will be monitored by a three-member supervisory committee, headed by Justice Ajay Rastogi (Retd.), former Supreme Court judge. Two senior Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officers (not native to the state) will also be part of the panel.

4. Who has been held responsible so far?

Key TVK leaders — including district secretary Mathiazhagan, state general secretary N. Anand, and joint secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar — have been booked under various charges related to negligence and violation of safety norms. The probe will determine individual criminal liability.

5. What role did Vijay play in the incident?

Vijay’s seven-hour delayed arrival and unauthorized roadshow are cited in the FIR as contributing factors to overcrowding. However, TVK claims Vijay followed police instructions. The CBI probe will examine accountability and timelines.

6. What compensation has been announced for victims?

• Tamil Nadu Government: ₹10 lakh per deceased victim’s family.
• TVK: ₹20 lakh per deceased victim’s family and ₹2 lakh for the injured.