A Tamil Nadu BJP leader, G.S. Mani, has approached the Supreme Court demanding a CBI investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred in Karur on September 27 during actor and TVK founder Vijay’s political rally. The incident claimed 41 lives and injured over 60 people. In his plea, filed through Advocate-on-Record R. Sathish, Mani requested the apex court to stay the ongoing Tamil Nadu Police probe, arguing that the state machinery cannot conduct a free and impartial investigation since the event organizers and state officials may themselves be under scrutiny.

The petition further seeks that the probe be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a current or retired Supreme Court judge. It criticizes the Tamil Nadu High Court’s earlier ruling, which declined to transfer the case, citing lack of evidence for central intervention. The plea also highlights that the tragedy reflects gross negligence and a violation of Article 21 — the fundamental right to life — demanding a fair inquiry and accountability. Mani has also urged the court to direct enhanced compensation for victims’ families, suggesting ₹50 lakh from the state and ₹1 crore each from actor Vijay and his political party, TVK.

The stampede, which occurred after a massive turnout of over 27,000 people—three times the expected crowd—was worsened by a seven-hour delay in Vijay’s arrival. The Tamil Nadu government has so far provided ₹10 lakh compensation per victim, while Vijay personally contributed ₹20 lakh each. The Madras High Court had earlier constituted an SIT led by senior IPS officer Asra Garg to investigate the incident, while also criticizing the organizers and police for failing to maintain adequate safety arrangements at the overcrowded venue.