The Madras High Court on Friday directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under senior IPS officer Asra Garg to probe the tragic stampede that occurred on September 27 during actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur. The incident claimed 41 lives and left more than 60 people injured, sparking widespread outrage and raising questions about crowd management at political events. Garg, who currently serves as Inspector General of Police for the North Zone, has been tasked with leading the SIT to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the lapses that led to the tragedy.
During the hearing, the single-judge bench did not hold back in its criticism of functionaries belonging to Vijay’s political outfit, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The court observed that negligence on the part of organisers appeared to have played a significant role in the mishap, stressing that accountability must be fixed to prevent such incidents in the future. It further noted that political events, particularly those attracting massive public participation, require strict adherence to safety measures and better coordination with the administration.
The stampede has sparked a heated debate in Tamil Nadu, especially given Vijay’s rising political presence ahead of the next electoral cycle. While the TVK leadership has attempted to deflect criticism, the High Court’s intervention is being seen as a strong message that negligence cannot be excused. The SIT probe is expected to examine the role of political organisers, administrative preparedness, and the overall planning of the rally. Families of the victims, meanwhile, continue to demand justice and adequate compensation for their loss. The findings of the SIT will be crucial in shaping not only public perception but also the political future of Vijay and his party.
