The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken charge of the Karur stampede case, which claimed 41 lives during actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally on September 27. A CBI team recently visited the site, inspected the scene, and met with victims’ families to record their statements as part of the renewed investigation.

The Supreme Court ordered the transfer of the case to the CBI after setting aside the Madras High Court’s directive for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. The TVK party had challenged the High Court’s order, arguing for a more neutral inquiry. Following this, a bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria directed the CBI to conduct the probe under the supervision of a three-member committee.

The supervisory panel will be led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, with two Tamil Nadu-cadre IPS officers not native to the state serving as members. These officers, both of Inspector General rank or above, will be chosen by Justice Rastogi. Following the re-registration of the case, sources indicate that the CBI may soon make its first arrest in connection with the tragedy.